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Sciences 

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WHSTH.N.Y.  MSM 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Inatituta  for  Historical  IMicroraproductions  /  institut  Canadian  de  microraproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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n 


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I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur6e  et/ou  pelliculAe 


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obtenir  la  meiileure  image  possible. 


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Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu*  ci-dessous. 


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i/ 
ludes 


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shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "COiJ- 
TINUED"),  or  the  symbol  y  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
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symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Bire 


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JOIIX     IUKC.o\  Nl'. 


7 


THE  CAMPAIGN 


(IF 


Jl'rrCxENJOnNBURGOYNE, 


AND 


THE  EXPEDITION 


or 


ilitut.  Col.  maxxp  m.  ileger. 


uv 


%^ 


WILLIAM    L.   STONE, 

^th^r  V  'h*  Lift  J«i  Timfh<^-Sir  IVillijm   7'f"iio>i  Barf.,  Life  and  H-'ritingi  of  Col. 

■4r.     I    Stun'f,  Rtminiuinctsof  Saratoga  and  Ballston^  Transtattr  -,(  thi  Mitnoin 

i'-.d  Military  fiurnals  of  Mn.  and  Major  Cintral  Ritdtitl,  fe'f.,   ftff. 


r^S^ 


•!p;o!t  (',  //)•/  l\ih\S 


ALBANY.  N.  Y.  : 

JOEL    MUNSKI  L. 
1877. 


m 


3lte 


Author  of  ih 

IVm.  I..  Si 

and 


JOHN*    Bll<<;<>N  M 

(RoMK,   175"). 
Ft\'tn  .(  painting  i>y  A\if>iSty.  in  possf.tsi^'u  of  Miss  H/ir^aynr,   nt  Jlaniptoo  Cvii>t  /'. 


/ 


m 


THE  CAMPAIGN 


LIEUT.  GEN.  JOHN  BURGOYNE, 


OF 


AND 


THE  EXPEDITION 


OF 


3Litnt  CoL  Barrp  S>t»  iLeger. 


BY 


WILLIAM   L.   STONE, 

ylufhor  of  the  Lift  and  Times  of  Sir  IVilliam  Johnson  Bart.,  Life  and  IVritings  of  Col. 

IVm.  I..  Stone,  Reminiuences  of  Saratoga  and  Ballston,  Translattr  of  the  Memoirs 

and  Military  Journals  of  Mrs,  and  Major  General  Riedestl^  fife,   ©"f. 


:•//>.',>;/    Cuiirt   I\i 


ALBANY,  N.  Y. : 
JOEL   MUNSELL. 

1877. 


Cbe 


TO 


HON.  WILLIAM  J.  BACON 


cm 


UTICA,  N.  y., 


tile  mprig[)t  3inb%t  anh  ptibiu  Bpititeb  Citizen, 


THIS     VOLUME     IS 


AFFECTIONATELY  INSCRIBED 


BY   HIS   FRIEND. 


THE    AUTHOR. 


CAIV 


PART    I 


THE 

ICAMPAIGN  OF  LIEUT.  GENERAL 

JOHN  BURGOYNE. 


■SI> 

|early 

•ille  a 

larato 

1  com 

las  b( 

learn< 
[erials 
ind  hi 
time, 
jarties 

>asis  f 
if  th( 
lately 
Th( 
:wo  w 
>f  th( 
^orth 
[and  A 


^Thes 
[who  kep 
I  between 

2  Both 

Ition  of  ' 

I  Munsell 

possessic 


INTRODUCTORY. 


INE    miles  east  of   Saratoga  Springs,   and 
Hearly  midway  between  the  villages  of  Schuyler- 
lille  and  Stillwater,  is  the  site  of  the   Battle  of 
faratoga  or  Bemis's  heights.'      It  is  only  within 
comparatively  short  period  that  the  historian 
las  been  enabled  to   write  of  that  event   with 
llearness   and   accuracy.     While  authentic  ma- 
terials on  the  American  side  are  abundant,  loose 
ind  hurried  reports  of  prisoners   taken   at   the 
[ime,   and   the   biased    testimony   of  interested 
jarties,   have  formed,   in  a  large   measure,   the 
>asis  for  a  narration  of  the  strategic  movements 
>f  the  English  and    German    troops.      Fortu- 
lately,  these  impediments  are  now  removed. 

There   have  recently  appeared   in   Germany, 
:wo  works  of  surpassing  value,   viz:   a   history 
if  the  German  Auxiliary   Forces  in  the  War  of 
^orth  American  Independence^  and  the  Memoirs 
land  Military  Journals  of  Major  General  RiedeselJ' 

*  These  heights  were  thus  named  from  a  man  by  the  name  of  Bemis, 
[who  kept  at  this   time  the  only  tavern  of  any   note  on   the   river   road 
between  Albany  and  Fort  Edward. 

2  Both  of  these  works  have  been  translated  into  English.     The  transla- 
[tion  of  The  Memoirs  of  General  Riedesel  has  already  been  published,  by  J. 
Munsell,  but  that  of  The  Auxiliaries  in  America  is  still  in  MS.,  and  in  the 
^possession  of  Mr.  T.  W.  Fields,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 


8 


Introductory, 


I    ; 


t 
I 

i 


These  works,  which  are  made  up  of  some  sixtj 
manuscript  journals  and  orderly  books,  writtef 
during  the  Revolution  by  Brunswick  and  Hes 
sian  officers,  who  served  here  during  that  timt  j 
throw  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  period  of  ou 
national  history  to  which  they  refer,  and  especi 
ally  upon  the  campaign  of  General  Burgoyne; 
and  while  the  evidence  there  presented  dissipates 
in  a  great  measure,  the  halo  which  remoteness 
has  thrown  around  the  great  generals  of  that 
period  —  blinding  us  to  their  deficiencies  —  yet 
the  errors  that  have  hitherto  obtained  concern- 
ing that  campaign  are  of  such  a  serious  nature, 
as  to  justify  an  attempt  to  place  before  American 
readers  the  plain  truth  in  relation  to  an  event, 
which  in  its  results  was  the  most  important  of 
any  in  our  Revolutionary  annals. 

In  Appendix  No.  XIX.  will  be  found  a  list  of 

authorities  con-suited  in  the  preparation  of  this 

work.      Many  of  them,    for   this   purpose,    are 

intrinsically   valueless,   but,    nevertheless,   have 

been  given  for  the  benefit  of  the   investigating 

reader, 

William  L.  Stone. 

Saratoga  Springs^  Sept,  u/,  1877. 


of  some  sixt! 
3ooks,  writtei 
ick  and   Hes 
"g  that  tinie 
>eriod  of  ou 
^  and  especi 
.1   Burgoyne; 
ted  dissipatej 
1  remoteness 
erals  of  that 
iencies  —  yet 
lied  concern- 
'ious  nature, 
re  American 
to  an  event,  I 
nportant  of 

^nd  a  list  of 
ion  of  this 
^rpose,   are 
eless,   have 
vestigating 

Stone. 


CONTENTS. 


rt  I.     The  Campaign  of  Lieut.  Gen.  John  Burgoyne,       -     -     -  5 

rt  II.  The  Expedition  of  Lieut.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     -     -     -         137 
pendices. 

.  I.  Anecdotes  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign,  personal  reminiscences,  etc., 

by  the  late  Charles  Neilson,  --------     225 

o.  II.  Force  employed  under  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne  in  the 
Campaign  of  1777,     ----------     275 

o.  III.  Instructions  for  Lieutenant  Cplond  tiaum,  on  a  secret  expedition 
to  the  Connecticut  iiver.  —  Narrative  of  a  Participator  in  the 
Battle  of  Bennington.  —  Description  of  St.  Luke's  Bridge. — 
Letter  from  E.  W.  B.  Canning  about   Bennington,      -     277 

o.  IV.      The  Jane  McCrea  Tragedy, 302 

o.  V.        A  Visit  to  the  Battle  Ground  in  1827,       -----      314 

o.  VI.  Eraser's  Remains  —  probable  Origin  of  the  Tradition  of  their 
having  been  removed,        ---------      328 

0.  VII.     Lady  Ackland,    ------------        331 

o.  VIII.  Statement  by  Sergeant  Lamb  of  the  Royal  Welsh  Fusileers  in 
regard  to  the  Burning  of  General  Schuyler's  House  and  Barns. 
Correspondence  between  Gates  and  Burgoyne,  -     -     -      333 

0.  IX.      Sketch  of  Fort  Edward,     ---------         338 

0.  X.        Fight  at  Diamond  Island,      ---------      346 

o.  XI.      Alexander  Bryan,  the  Scout,    --------         353 

No.  XII.     Sketch   of  Charles  de    Langlade,   and    his  relations  with   Elur- 
goyne,       -------------         358 

No.  XIII.  Letter  of  General  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  a  participator  in  the   Bat- 
tle, with  notes  by  the  Author.  —  Letter  from   the  Due   de  la 
^    Rochefoucauld-I.iancourt,       --------      368 

No.  XIV.   Professor  Silliman's  Visit  lo  the  Battle  Ground  in  1820,  with 
notes  by  the  Author,    ----------      384 


lO 


Contents, 


No.  XV.        Sergeant  Lamb's  Account  of  his  Journey  through  the  wool 
from  Fort  Miller  to  Ticonderoga,  to  expedite  supplies  fcl 
Burgoyne's  Army,     ----.--.      _     _     40 

No.  XVI.      The  Ballads  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign,  -----        41 

No.  XVII.    Description  of  Ticonderoga  and   the  Forts  south  of  it  at  th: 
Time  of  their  occupation  by  the  Americans  in  the  year  177-  | 
From  the  Military  Journal  of  Maj.  Gen.  Riedesel,  -     43^ 

No.  XVIII.  The  Saratoga  Monument  Association,     -----     43!  | 

No.  XIX.      List   of    Authorities    consulted    in    the    preparation   of    thi 
Work, >_,-_44; 


ney  through  the  wooc? 
to  expedite  supplies  f. 
■     -     ■      -     -     40 

41 

'orts  south  of  it  at  tk 
ricansin  the  year  177- 
3en.  Riedesel,  -     43^. 

43S 

'    preparation   of    thi 

44: 


INERARY  OF  GEN.  BURGOYNE. 


THE  ADVANCE. 

cneral  Burgoyne  arrives  at  Quebec,      -     -     ^  6th  May,  1777. 
eceives  the  command  of  the  Army  from  Gen. 

Carleton,  at  (Quebec,     -------  loth   " 

ontreal, 12th" 

hree  Rivers,   ----------  15th  "     — 7th  June. 

brt  Chambly,      ---- loth  June — 14th" 

le  Au  Noix, I5tb     « 

iPumberland  Head,    --------  17th  —  20th  June. 

;,«.iver  Bouquet,        ---------  21st  —  28th      " 

rown  Point,      ---------  29th  —  30th     " 

our  Mile  Point,    -------     --ist  July. 

iconderoga,  ----------  ist — 6th  July. 

kenesborough  (Whitehall),  -     -      -     -     -     -  7th  —  23d     " 

ort  Anne,     ----------  25th  —  28th  " 

itch-Pine  Plains,  ---------  29th  July. 

ort  Edward,       ---------  30th  July — 13th  Aug. 

Duer's  House  (Fort  Miller),   ------  14th  Aug.  —  loth  Sept. 

Batten  kil,     -     -     -     -     -     -     --     -     -  nth  to  13th  Sept. 

Schuyler's  House  (Saratoga),  -     -----  13th — 15th    " 

Dovegat,  -----------  i6th  " 

Sword's  House,  -     ---------  17th  —  i8th    " 

freeman's  House,  on  the  Field  of  Battle,        -  19th  " 

Freeman's  House,   ---------  20th  " 

Camp  on  Freeman's  Farm,  -     -----  21st  Sept. —  7th  Oct. 

THE  RETREAT. 

it 

Wilbur's  Basin,  near  the  Redoubts  at  the  River,  8th  Oct. 

Dovegat,  -----------  9th — loth  Oct. 


I! 


12  Itinerary. 

Saratoga,      -----__-_>-  loth  —  17th  Oct. 

Half  Moon, i8th  " 

Albany,-     -----------  18th  —  20th  " 

Worcester,  Mass.,     --------  4th  Nov. 

Marlborough, "       -_-.---__  5th     " 

Cambridge,      "       __-_--__-  yth     " 

Embarks  for  England,     -------  15th  April,    1778. 


iiM 


ERRATA 


1 1 


On  page  33,  4th  line  from  top,  for  "««  the  bridge  "  read  "hcyondxhc  bridge. 
«      «    237  (note),  for  ^^  ten  miles"  read  '-'four  miles." 
"      "     347,  ist  line,  for  "Col.  Baum's''  read   "Col.  Brown's." 


"%o«,/ the  bridge. 

5." 

Bro'wn''s." 


iiic,  aim  coiitipicicrntaa  ui  appv/iuiiiivni.  .ntv.  .iv,,er  been 


# 


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U)tl«  Snpt.  cK  7th  C)(;t.  177  7        . 


f///f 


(tM  it  wfffi  af  thp ti/iif' 


Neilson's  IVtap  Bev^jsed. 


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wie,  a 

BURGOYNE'S  CAMPAIGN. 


I. 


K^ 


HE    disastrous    result  of  the  campaign  of  General 

goyne  is  to  be  ascribed  more  to  his  own  blunders 

incompetency  than  to  any   special  military   skill  on 

part  of  his  conqueror.      In  December,   1776,  Bur- 

ne,  dissatisfied   with  his  subordinate  position  under 

leton,  concocted  with  the  British  ministry  a  plan  for 

campaign  of  t  777.      A  large  force  under  himself  was 

roceed  to  Albany  by  way   of  Lakes  Champlain  and 

orge;    while   another  large  body,  under   Sir  Henry 

nton,  advanced  up  the    Hudson  in  order  to  cut  off 

munication  between  the  northern  and  southern  colo- 

s,  in  the  expectation  that   each  section  being  left  to 

If  would   be  subdued  with  little  difficulty.     At  the 

e  time.  Colonel   Barry   St.   Leger  was  to  make  a 

ersion  on  the  Mohawk  river. 

or  the  accomplishment  of  the  first  part  of  this  plan, 

wtrful  force  was  organized  in  Canada,  the  command 

which  was  transferred  from  Sir  Guy  Carleton  —  the 

st   British    general,    by    the    way,   at   that  time   or 

sequently  in  America  —  and  conferred  upon  General 

goyne — an  army  which,  for  thoroughness  of  disci- 

e,  and  completeness  of  appointment  had  never  been 


lo        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

excelled  in  America/     The  generals,  also,   who  w 
to  second  him  in   the  expedition  were  trustworthy  : 
able  officers.     Major  General  Phillips  was  not  only 
tinguished  as  an  artillery   officer,   but  had  given   pi 
of  exceptional  strategical  skill  ;   Major  General  Riedt 
had  been  specially   selected  for  his  military   expericr 
acquired  during  a   long  service,  and  particularly   dur 
the  seven  years'  war,  where   he  had  enjoyed  the  ent  1 
confidence  of  Prince  f'erdinand.  The  English  Brigadii 
Fraser  and  Hamilton,  and  the  German  ones,  Specht,  a 
Gall  and  Lieut.  Col.  Breymann,  had  been  appointed 
commands    solely    on    the  ground  of   their  professioi 
merits.     The  former  had  attained  a  high  reputation : 
judgment  and   cool  daring,   and  was  considered   one 
the  most  promising  officers  in  the  army.     Colonel  Kir 
ston,  the  adjutant  general,  had  served  with  distinction 
Burgoyne's  horse  in  Portugal,  and  Majors  LordBalcarn 


^  Burgoyne  arrived  in  Quebec  on  the  6th  of  May,  1777,  and  recei 
the  command  of  the  forces  from  General  Carleton  on  the  loth.  Gene: 
Riedesel,  however,  with  his  Brunswick  Contingent,  had  been  in  Cam 
for  fully  a  year  —  during  which  time,  he,  with  the  practical  strategy  a 
acuteness  of  observation  which  always  distinguished  him,  had  emplov 
that  time  in  drilling  his  troops  to  meet  the  customs  of  the  America: 
*'Thus,"  he  says  in  one  of  his  letters,  "I  perceived  that  the  American  rif 
men  always  shot  further  than  our  forces  —  consequently  I  made  my  it. 
practice  at  long  range  and  benind  trees  that  they  might  at  least  be  enoi. 
for  them."  Speaking  of  the  removal  of  Carleton  at  this  juncture,  Riede: 
further  says  :  "  a  great  mistake  was  undoubtedly  here  made  by  the  Brit: 
ministry.  Carleton  had,  hitherto,  worked  with  energy  and  success;: 
knew  the  army  thoroughly,  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  officers  a; 
men.  It  was  a  great  risk  to  remove  a  man,  who  was  so  peculiarly  fitt: 
for  so  important  a  position,  without  a  better  cause." 


Acl 
grcii 

Icis 


rage] 


n  Burgoyne. 

Is,  also,  who  w 
-re  trustworthy 
ps  was  not  only 

ut  had  given  pi 
or  Genera]  Ried. 
nilitary   experiej 

particularly   dui  ^" 

enjoyed  the  en; 

English  Brigadif  ^ 
n  ones,  Specht,  a 

been  appointed 

their  professior 

high  reputation: 

considered   one 

\f'     Colonel  Kir 

with  distinction 

3rs  Lord  Balcarn 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        1 1 

i  Ackland,  commanding  respectively  the  light  infantry 
ana  grenadiers,  were  each,  in  his  own  way,  considered 
ofi^cis  of  high   professional   attainments  and   brilliant 


courage' 


^y>  1777.  and  recei. 
on  the  loth.  Gene 
t,  had  been  in  Can. 
e  practical  strategy  s 


ed  h 


im,   had 


emplw 


)ms   of  the  America: 

that  the  American  rir 
ently  I  made  my  m. 
ght  at  least  be  enoii. 
this  juncture,  Rjede 
re  made  by  the  Brir: 
lergy  and  success;. 
>ce  of  the  officers  x.  .. 
^as  so  peculiarly  fit:; 


11  things  being  in  readiness,   Burgoyne,  in  the  early 

mcr  of  1777,  sailed  up  Lake  Champlain  -,  and,  on 

17th  of  June  encamped  on  the  western  shore  of 

lake  at  the  falls   of  the  little   river    Bouquet,   now 

llsborough.      At  this  place   he   was  joined  by  about 

r  hundred  Indians,  under  the  Chevalier  St.  Luc  and 

larles   De  Langlade,''   whom,  in   a  council  and   war 

1st  called  and  given  specially  for  the  purpose,  he  ad- 

:ssed   in  a   speech    designedly  couched    in   their  own 


Fonblanque's  Life  of  Burgoyne.      For  the  detailed  return  of  the  troops 

Iglish  and  German)  employed    on   the  expedition  (compiled  at  consider- 

labor  by  Mr.  Fonblanque),  and  also  for  remarks  on  the  question  of  the 

)loyment  of  Germans  by  the  English  government,  see  Appendix  No.  II. 

Thomas  Anburey,  an  officer  in  the  army  of  General  Burgoyne,  wrote 
J1777  from  the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain  :  "  We  are  expecting  the 
tawas.  They  are  led  by  M.  de  Saint  Luc  and  M.  de  Langlade,  both 
lat  partisans  of  the  French  cause  in  the  last  war ;  the  latter  is  the  person 
M,  at  the  head  of  the  tribe  ivhich  be  now  commands  planned  and  executed 
defeat  of  General  Braddock^ 

Jurgoyne,  the  unfortunate  commander  of  the  aforesaid  army,  expressed 

iself  in  a  no  less  formal  manner,  in  a  letter  to  Lord   George  Germain, 

ted  Skenesborough,  July  the  eleventh,   1777  :   "  I  am   informed,"  says 

L  "  that  the  Ottawas  and  other  Indian  tribes,   who  are  two  days'  march 

^m  us,  are  brave  and  faithful,  and  that  they  practice  war  and  not  pillage. 

ley  are  under  the  orders  of  a  M.  Saint  Luc,  a  Canadian  of  merit,  and  one 

the  best  partisans  of  the  French  cause  during  the  last  war,  and  of  a  M. 

Langlade,  the  very  man   who  with  these  tribes  projected  and  executed 

raddock's  defeat.     See  Appendix  XII,  for  a  further  account  of  Langlade's 

^nnection  with  Burgoyne  and  the  latter's  relations  with  his  Indian   allies. 


1 


■■% 


m 


izinl 
re  ol 


12        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        ^ 

figurative  language,  and  intended  both  to  excite  tl     ".:^ 

ardor  in   the  approaching   campaign,  and  "  to    incu!      . 

those  humane  principles  of  civilized  warfare  whici    -  T    •] 

them  must  have  been  incomprehensible."  On  the  QOtl      %     ,1 

mndrca 

June,  the  main  army  made  a  still  further  advance  and  ( 
cupied  Crown  point' (Fort  St.  Frederick),  while  Gene     j^ 
Fraser   pushed   ahead   as  far   as  Putnam's  creek,  th*^    A 
miles  north  of  Ticonderoga.     In  the  eveninti;  the  foil  '*^     *     , 

ing  orders  were  given  :  '*  The  army  embarks  to-moi:^         'I 

u    u  -ru  •  1       iThi  1^1 

tc  approach  the  enemy.      1  he  services  requned  on  [\ 

1  •  •  •  •    i       J  T-k     •         fleet  ad 

expedition   are    critical  and   conspicuous.     During  o      >        ' 

progress  occasions  may  occur  in  which  nor  difficult*'* 

nor  labor,  nor  life  are  to  be  regarded.     This  army  mu*'^^  ^ 

not  retreat."     Then,  having  issued  a  grandiloquent  pi  °'' 8 

clamation  designed  to  terrify  the  inhabitants  of  the  su*'^^ 

opposite 

advance 

*  Called  Kruy  fly  or  Kroon  punt  {or  Scalp  point)  jhy  the.  Dutch;  and  by  t  f, 

French,  Point   a  la  Chcvelcure.     The  ramparts  of  this  fortress,  which  j: 
still  standing,  are  of  wood  and  earth  riveted  with  solid  masonry.     Tliey  a  ^"^  ^ 
twenty-four    feet  high,   twenty-five   thick,  and  inclose    an   area  of  fiftc;  §on  f^' 
hundred  yards  square,  surrounded  by  a  deep,  broad   moat,  cut  into  granlt;  thousai 
There  are,  also,  a     '  'ble  row  of  stone  barracks;   and  on  the  north,  a  ga:   .    ^      1% 
with  a  draw-bridge,  together  with  a  subterranean  or  covered  passage  leadir 
from  one  of  the  bastions  to  the  bank  of  the  lake.     The  size  and  extent .       f    ^ 
these  works  render  their  exploration  very  satisfactory  and  instructive.     Tl.    llloep< 
promontory  which  juts  out  from  the  farther  shore  directly  opposite  Crow:    lylpce 
point  and  on  which  Gen.  Riedesel  was  encamped  for  a  day  or  two,  is  callc: 
Chimney  point.      When  Fort  Frederick  was  built,  in   1731,3  French  set 
tlement  of  considerable  size  was  begun  at  this  place.     During  the  old  Frenct, 
war,  however,  it  was  destroyed  by  a  party  of  Mohawk  Indians,  who  burne; 
the  wood-work  of  the  houses,  leaving  the  stone  chimneys  standing.     Fi: 
many  years  afterwards  these  stood,  like  solitary  and  grim  sentinels,  watchinj 
over  the  ruins.      Hence  the  name. 


n  Burgoyne, 
)oth  to  excite  tl 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        13 


and  "  to    ■       1  oui^'"g    country  into  submission,   Burgoyne  prepared 
i  warfare  vvhici^  j#^-^  ^'"'''."'^'"'"S^' 


J^-"  On  th( 


3otl 


Ljaviiig  a  detachment  of  one  staff  officer  and  two 
icr  advance  ^T»"n^r^'^i  men  at  Crown  point  for  the  defence  of  the 
Jck),  while  G  .'Magazines,  the  royal  army  in  their  bateaux  started  again 
nam's  creek  tl  ^^  ^^^  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  July  ist,  in  two  divi- 
evening  the  foil  sions.  The  corps  of  General  Phillips  was  on  the  west 
sharks  to-nioi  ,^"<*^^'^^  "^  General  Riedesel  on  the  east  side  of  the  lake, 
^s  required  on  if^^^  Dragoons  formed  the  van  of  the  whole  army.  The 
ous.  Durinp  fleet  advanced  as  fiir  as  Putnam's  creek  almost  within 
I'ch  nor  difficult  *^^'"^°"  ^^^"^  °^  ^^^  Americans.  The  right  wing  of  the 
This  army  nwi^^^Y  encamped  on  the  spot  recently  occupied  by  the 
g''andiJoquent  pr  ^"8^^^  "^  Fraser  (that  officer  having  again  gone  ahead), 
bitants  of  the  su  ^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  w\ng  under  Riedesel  occupied  the  eastern  shore 

opposite  the  right  wing.   The  corps  of  General  Brcymann 

'the  Dutch-     A\     advanced  on  the  same  shore  as  far  as  the  left  wing  of 

this  fortress,  which  j  ^  ^^Qt^  from  the  flag-ship  of  which,  the  Royal  George, 

I'd  masonry.    They  a  thc  American  position  could  easily  be  seen.     The  garri- 

an  area  of  fiftee  g^^  of  Ticonderoija  was  estimated  at  from  four  to  five 

nioat,  cut  into  granl:; 

^  on  the  north,  a  n-  ^m       ^  . 

covered  m^«.r,  i    r    '^M^  ^our  brigades  commanded   by    General    St.    Clair. 

f"«ssjge  ieadin,      M  •' 

f'he  size  and  extent.  W  position  was  Covered  on  the  right  flank  by  Fort 
ana  instructive.  Ti  iMlependence,  a  star-fort  built  on  a  considerable  emi- 
T  J ',       °^'  ^    "^""^  mnce,  on  the  east  shore  of  Lake  Champlain  and  fortified 

3  ^^y  or  two,  is  calle:    ^ 

'73^a  French  set 
during  the  oJd  Frenct 

Jndians,  who  burne; 
^neys  standing.  R; 
n  sentineJs,  watching 


three  successive  lines  of  fortifications.     It  was  se- 

rated  by  water   from  Ticonderoga   which    lay  on  the 

posite  side   and   consisted   chiefly  of  the  old   French 

rks.^     In  the  lake   between   the   two   forts  lay  four 


m 


P  Ticonderoga  (called  by  the  French  respectively  Fort  Vaudreuil  —  after 
pearly  Canadian  governor  —  and  Fort  Carillon)  is  situated  fifteen  miles 


p 


14        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Campi 


k  up  a  posil 
stream,  Pel 

Americani 
Icormount^ 

ated  south! 


armed   vessels,  and  both    were  connected  by  a  briGiicipation  o 
In   front  of  this   bridge  there  was  a  strong  iron  chSved  more 
hanging  across  the  water,  which  \/as  intended  to  breRdesel  lik^ 
the  first  assault  of  the  British.     To  the  left  of  Tied 
deroga  there  was  another  fortification  upon  a  hill  cover 
the  enemy's  left  toward  the  saw-mills  on  the  porta 
between  Lake  Champlainand  Lake  George.     Ticondi 
roga  was  garrisoned  by  one-half  of  the  American  fore 
or  two  brigades  ;  the  third  brigade  was  at  Fort  Indepen 
ence,  and  the  fourth  was  distributed  in   the  entrenc| 
ments  outside  of  the  fort.     This  was  the  position  of  tl' 
Americans  when  General  Burgoyne  arrived  in  front  c? 
Ticonderoga. 

At  noon  of  the  2d   of  July,  Fraser  moved   forward 
and  taking  possession   of  some  high  ground  which  com 
manded  the  American  line  and  cut  off  their  communica;' 
tion    with   Lake   George,   named    it   Mount    Hope, 


south  of  Crown  point  and  thirty  north    of  Whitehall.     It  is  formed   by  ,j 
sharp  angle  in   the  narrow   waters  of  the  lake,  and  an   arm   of  that  lak 
stretching  to  the  westward  which  receives  the  waters  of  Lake  George  at  thj 
foot  of  a  precipitous  fall  of  some  twenty  feet.     The  stream  which  connects 
these  lakes  makes  a  considerable  curvature  to  the  west,  and  in  the  distanc 
of  two  miles  tumbles   over     uccessive  layers  of  rocks  about  300  feet  —  the 
difference  of  the  level  bet\  een  the  surface  of  Lake  George  and  that  of  Lak^ 
Champlain,   furnishing  a   variety  of  excellent   mill-sites,  accessible   to  the 
navigable  waters  of  Lake  George  forty  miles,  and  to  those  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain   and   the  river  Sorel  130  miles.      This  position  was  fortified    by  the 
French  long  before  the  war  of  1755.     ^^  '^  rendered  famous  by  the  repulse 
of  Abercrombie  by  Montcalm  in  1758  with  the  loss  of  2000  men,  although 
he  might,  by  taking  possession  of   Mt.   Defiance  (Sugar-loaf  hill)    have 
carried  the  place  without  hazarding  a  man. 


In  the  beginn 
t-infantry,    ha 
aped  with  a  slig 
oital  wound   1 
Ue  being  carrie 
rp-shooter. 
Mount  Hope 
cer  [Montcaln 
Ibercrombie's  ap 
ted  ridge  on  the 
less  than  half  a 
e  summit  and 
e  perpendiculai 
fill  higher  grou 
clivity  washed 
to  a  plain  whi 
ke  where  the 
oi-nble  sufferec 
'  On  the  app 
mediately   al 
etting  five  to  t 
terruption,  p' 
ession  ot  the  ' 
anding  their 
;ion  with  Lak 
f  this  import 
ot  force  enoi 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.         1 5 

Icipation  of  vicory.^  At  the  same  time,  Phillips 
Ived  more  to  the  right  and  occupied  the  saw-mills.^ 
jdesel  likewise  advanced  with  Breymann's  corps  and 
ik  up  a  position  in  front  of  Fort  Independence  behind 
stream,  Petite  Marie.  Meanwhile,  unfortunately  for 
Americans,  their  engineers  had  overlooked  the  high 
ik  or  mountain,  called  Sugar-loaf  hill  (Mount  Defiance), 
lated  south   of  the  bridge  on  the  point  of  land  at  the 


In  the  beginning  of  this  skirmish  Lord  Balcarras,  who  commanded  the 

it-infantry,    had   his   coat  and  trousers   pierced   with   thirty    balls,   and 

laped  with  a  slight  wound  j  while  at  the  same  time,  Lieut,  Haggit  received 

loital  wound   in  both  eyes  by  a  ball,    and  Lieut.  Douglass  of  the  29th, 

lile  being  carried  wounded  off  the  field,  was  shot  through  the  heart  by  a 

irp-shooter. 

[Mount  Hope  is   thus  described  by    Wilkinson :    "  When    the    French 
icer  [Montcalm]    who  commanded  at  Ticonderoga  in    1758,  heard  of 
Ibercrombie's  approach,  he  found  it  necessary  to  take  possession  of  an  ele- 
cted ridge  on  the  direct  route  to  it  from  the  landing  at  Lake  George,  which, 
less  than  half  a  mile  entirely  overlooked  the  works.  This  ridge  is  flat  on 
^e  summit  and  extends  westwardly   about  half  a  mile  to  the  saw-mills  at 
ke  perpendicular  fliU  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  George  where  it  terminates  in 
Jill  higher  ground  called   Mount  Hope.     On  the  south   it  presents  a    bold 
cclivity  washed   by  the  strait,    and  on  the   north  it  declines   until  it  sinks 
ito  a  plain  which  is  extended  about  one  hundred  rods  to  the  shore  of  the 
ike  where  the  bank  is  ten  or  twelve  feet  high."     It  was  here  that  Aber- 
rombie  suffered  so  disastrous  a  repulse. 
^  On  the  approach  of  Gen.  Fraser,  the  Americans,   most  unaccountably, 
imediately   abandoned  all   their  works   in  the  direction  of  Lake  George, 
jetting  fire  to  the  block-houses  and   saw-mills ;   and  without  sally  or  other 
iterruption,  permitted  the  enemy  under  Maj.    Gen.  Phillips,   to  take  pos- 
lession  of  the  very  advantageous  post  of  Mount  Hope,  which  besides  com- 
landing  their  lines  in  a  dangerous  degree,  totally  cut  offtheir  communica- 
lion  with  Lake  George.     The  only  excuse  for  such  an  early  abandonment 
^fthis  important   point,    was  found  in   the  fact  that  General   St.  Clair  had 
lot  force  enough  to  man  all  the  defences." — Stone\  Brant. 


1 6        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

confluence  of  the  waters  of  Lakes  George  and  Ch) 
plain.  Originally  it  had  been  supposed  and  taken] 
granted,  that  the  crest  of  Sugar-loaf  hill  was  not  only  iJ 
cessible,  but  too  distant  to  be  of  any  avail  in  coveij 
the  main  fortress.  This  opinion  was  an  error,  to  wl| 
the  attention  of  the  officers  had  been  called  the 
ceding  year  by  Colonel  John  Trumbull,  then  adjutj 
general  for  the  Northern  department.  When  Colo] 
Trumbull  made  the  suggestion,  he  was  laughed  at 
the  mess;  but  he  soon  proved  the  accuracy  of  his  o| 
vision,  by  throwing  a  cannon-shot  to  the  summit  ;  \ 
subsequently  clambered  up  to  the  top,  accompanied 
Colonels  Stevens,  Wayne  and  Arnold.^  It  was  a  ci 
minal  negltct,  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  that 
oversight  was  not  at  once  corrected,  bv  the  constructii 
of  a  work  upon  that  point,  which  would  have  coij 
manded  the  whole  post.  It  was  a  neglect,  howevel 
that  was  soon  to  cost  them  dear.  While  the  maneuvei 
of  Fraser  and  Phillips,  above  described,  were  executini 
Lieutenant  Twiss  made  a  thorough  personal  examinatit' 
of  Sugar-loaf  hill,  and  reported  that  the  hill  "  complete! 
commanded  the  works  and  buildings  both  at  Ticol 
deroga  and  Fort  Independence ;  that  it  was  dista| 
about  1400  yards  from  the  former  and  1500  from  t^ 
latter ;  that  the  ground  might  be  levelled  so 
to  receive  cannon  ;  and  that  a  road  to  convey  then 
though  extremely  difficult,  might  be  built  in  twenty-foul 
hours.     Accordingly,  as  soon  as  darkness  had  set  in, 


'  Conversations  of  the  author's  father  with  Col.  John  Trumbull. 


i^rgoyne. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.         1 7 


>''geand  Q 
d  and  taken 
as  not  only  ir] 
vail  in  cove; 
error,  to  wlii 
called  the 

then  adjutj 
^hen   CoIo! 
laughed  at 
cy   of  his  0 
E  summit ;  a, 
:companied 
It  was  a  cj 
'"cans,  that  ti 
le  construct! 
lid  have   co 
Gct,   howev 
he  maneuvel 
ere  executin 
^1  examinatid 
"  complete; 
-h   at   Tico 
was    dista 
500  from  til 
elled     so 
^nvey   ther 

twenty-foy 
fiad  set  in 


ng  road  was  cut  to  its   summit,   a  battery    com- 
;ed  and  cannon  to  serve  it  transported  thither.     In 
so   expeditiously   was  the    work   carried    forward 
|r   Phillips,^   that  the  garrison   of  Ticonderoga,  on 
;ing  the  next  morning  found  to  their  amazement  and 
ly  that  from  the  crags   seven  hundred   feet  above, 
ritish  were  coolly  looking  down  upon  them,  watching 
every   movement,   and  only   waiting  for  the  com- 
|on  of  their  batteries  to  open  fire.     In  this   critical 
tion,  St.  Clair  at  once  called  a  council  of  war,  which 
imously  decided  on  an  immediate  evacuation.      It 
also  determined  that  the  baggage  of  the  army,  with 
artillery,   stores  and  provisions  as  the  necessity  of 
occasion  would  admit,   should   be  embarked  with  a 
ng  detachment  on  board   of  two  hundred  bateaux, 
dispatched  under  convoy  of  five  armed  galleys,   up 
lake  to   Skenesborough   (Whitehall),   and  that   the 
n  body  of  the  army   should  proceed  by  land,   taking 
route  on   the  road  to  Castleton  in  Vermont,   which 
Is  about  thirty   miles  south-east  of  Ticonderoga,  and 
the  boats  and  galleys  at  Skenesborough.      Absolute 
recy   was  also  enjoined.     Accordingly,  early   in  the 
ning.  Colonel  Long,  with  five  armed  galleys  and  six 
Indred   men,  set  out   with  the  sick   and  wounded   for 
:enesborough  ;     and    a    few    hours    later,    about    two 
lock  in  the  morning  of  July   6th,   St.    Clair  with  the 


jmbuii. 


"General  Phillips  has  as  expeditiously  conveyed  cannon  to  the  summit 

this  hill  [Mount  Defiance],  as  he  brought  it  up  in  that  memorable  battle 

iMinden,  where,   it  is  said,    such    was   his  anxiousness   in  expediting  the 

pUery,    that  he  split  no  less  than  fifteen  canes  in  beating  the  horses." — 

iburey''i  Letters. 


1 8        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.    1    Camp^ 


ij  ! 


main  body  of  the  troops  passed  over  the  floating  tj 
in  safety,   and  probably   would  have  effected  his  i 
wholly     undiscovered,    had    not    the    head-quarte 
General    Roche    De    Fermoy,    who   commanded 
Independence,  either  through  accident  or  treachery, 
set   on  fire.^     This   unfortunate  occurrence  threw 
Americans  into  disorder,  and  informed  the  British  o 
retreat.     At  early  daylight,  Riedesel  embarked  his 
and  took  possession  of  Fort  Independence  ;  at  the  s: 
time  that  Fraser  occupied  Ticonderoga.      Eighty  1 
cannon,  five  thousand  tons  of  flour,  a  great  quantid 
meat    and    provisions,   fifteen   stands  of  arms,   a 
amount  of  ammunition,  and  two  hundred  oxen,  bes 
baggage  and  tents,  were  found  in  the  deserted  forts. 
There  would  seem  to  have  been  no  necessity  for 
stampede.     The  camps  of  the  Americans  were  not  si 
rounded — on  the  contrary  the  road  to   Vermont 
still  open  — and  the  batteries  of  the  assailants  were 
yet    in    position.       "  Great    fright    and    consternatio: 
says   General  Riedesel  in  his  journal,  "  must  have  pi 
vailed  in  the  enemy's  camp,  otherwise   they  would  ha| 
taken  time  to  destroy  the  stores  and  save  something.' 


e  news 

and  with' 

a  into  tl 

.Ihave 

aine  ani] 

decisiv" 


^  It  is  a  somewhat  singular  fact,  says  General  J.  Watts  De  Peyster,  t' 
generally  whenever  the  Americans  were  unsuccessful  a  foreigner  was  mi: 
up  in  it.      A  little  thought  on  the  part  of  the  reader  will  confirm  the  trijstvuctions,  a 


inies. 

in   the    rel 
incis  sufcc] 
lar  manni 
in  Verm| 
the  rear 
rst  belon] 
fing  been 
le  rear  gu 
)1.  Setb  W 
jsoon  as  tl 
llf  short  c 
lair,   then 

rks  we  foun 
t  to  fire  the 
eyed  the  cor 
t  they  were 


of  this  observation. 

2  And  yet,  St.  Clair's  retreat  was  by  no  means  so  disorderly  as  some  haj 
represented  it.     Lamb,  who  was  a  conscientious  and  shrewd  observer,  speal 
ing  of  this  says  :      "After   the  enemy   retreated   we  marched    down  to  tj 
works,  and  were  obliged  to  halt  at  the  bridge  of  communication  which  hi 
been  broken  down.     In  passing  the  bridge  and  possessing  ourselves  of  tl 


Ift  for  the  pu 

[as  strewed  w 

in  order,  i 

Indian  had  li 

latch  near  ( 

/ithout  hari 


Burgoyne,   J    Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        19 


the  fl 


oating  tBie  news  of  the  fall  of  Ticonderoga  was  received   in 

and  with  every   demonstration  of  joy.     The   king 

d  into  the  queen's  apartment,  crying  "  I  have  beat 

,  I  have  beat  all  the  Americans  ;"  and  "Lord  George 

aine  announced  the  event  in  parliament  as  if  it  had 

decisive  of  the  campaign   and   of  the  fate  of  the 


effected  his  1 

head-quartei 
commanded 
or  treachery, 
rrence  threw 
the  British  0 
f^ harked  his. 
ce  ;  at  the  s, 
a.      Eighty 
^reat  quantitj 
f  arms,   a  ] 
'd  oxen,   bes 
^serted  forts, 
ecessity  for 
's  were  not  s| 
*   Vermont  \ 
liiants  were 
consternatio 
must  have  pi 
ley  would  hai 
something." 


nies. 


II. 


h    the    retreat     from     Fort     Ticonderoga,    Colonel 

'ncis  sutceeded   in  bringing  off  the  rear   guard  in  a 

lar  manner.     When  the  troops  arrived  at  Hubbard- 

L  in  Vermont,  they  were  halted  for  nearly  two  hours, 

the  rear  guard  was  increased   by  many  who   did  not 

ist  belong  to  it,  but   were   picked  up   on   the   road, 

ing  been   unable  to   keep   up  with   their   regiments. 

e  rear   guard  was  here  put   under   the   command   of 

\,  Seth  Warner,  with  strict  orders  to  follow  the  army, 

soon  as  the  whole  came  up,  and  to  halt  a  mile  and  a 

llf  short  of  the    main    body.     The  army   under    St. 

air,    then  proceeded   to    Castleton,   about    six   miles 


ts  De  Peyster,  t! 
^i-eigner  was  mi 


rks  we  found  four  men  lying  intoxicated  with  drinking,  who  had  been 
"t  to  fire  the  guns  of  a  large  battery  on  our  approach.  Had  the  men 
eyed  the  commands  they  received,  we  must  have  suffered  great  injury  5 
t  they  were  allured  by  the  opportunity  of  a  cask  of  madeira  to  forget  their 
rm  the  tri«structions,  and  drown  their  cares  in  wine.  It  appeared  evident  they  were 
ft  for  the  purpose  alluded  to,  as  matches  were  found  lighted,  the  ground 
eny  as  some  hjVas  strewed  with  powder,  and  the  heads  of  some  powder-casks  were  knocked 
a  observer,  speaBff  in  order,  no  doubt,  to  injure  our  men  on  their  gaining  the  works.  An 
Jed  down  to  tBndian  had  like  to  do  some  mischief  from  his  curiosity  —  holding  a  lighted 
-ation  vvhicii  ji^iatch  near  one  of  the  guns,  it  exploded,  but  being  elevated,  it  discharged 
ourselves  of  tfl^'ithout  harm." 


1J 


1 

11 


r.      '''"'^''''"  °^  ""'"^'"^  Jo/^"  Bur.oy„e     m    Camp 
further  -  Col.  Warner       •  u  F 

^'-ge'e.s,  against  the  e^p"!?   ''/  '■^^'-  2"-^   ^nj 

^  fie  retreat.     '^  fh     a  "'^'-'ii. 

B'-'t'sh,  than  Gen.  fZTu  "''  P'^'^'^'d  b, 

J;^/ngade,Major-Se      ,?V":^^^^P"--> 
^°"o-  with  the  greater  p  r   of  v'T'   ''^'"g  -''-e 

^-^continuedthepursuTh        '       '■"''^"'■^'^^'■^• 
-eivedinte,,ige„ceX     fr''''^;''ay,andha, 
^'•"'7  >vas  at  no  great  di7     ""^"'"^  "^ 'he  An,en, 
^-"'.h-pon.Lrartr^-deredhis.ento 
JOCK  in  the  morn  n^,  herpm  '^      ^"^7'  at  i 

':°%  ^o  the  attacJc,  and  ttr         .^""^  ^'■'■"•^'' -''van, 
-/^^y  yards  of  each  ^h  J      Th  '"^  '°™^''  <-'' 

^'oody.     Colone,  Fran  ;j,':;;°f«-s  fierce  a 
^'h.le  fighting  with  great  Ja  ''""'^  "^'"'^  ''egime] 

-''-edh,theB,i::st::j;r'',^^^^^^ 

-— ~~  °^P'-       Colonel  Warfie 

' "  CoJ.    Warner  was   a   h.  ^ 

y  l^dktn,on\  Memoirs.  ^         '  ^^^  ^"^ver  of  the   Britisi, 

^Speaking  of  the  death  of  Col    F        • 

hostilities  on   the  American  '''   ^'""^  ^^ys  :  "The 

'^^  '■evenge,  which  T  '""""'"^  ^^^"'>ed  a  sort  of  •      f     "''"'''  °^ 

war  in  gener^r    T.     ''^  '  '''  '  ^^^  ^-i  unknown      '/"^^^^^^^^  -^or| 

of  the  12     I'  '  ''""''^  '■«  i"^^=^ed  bv  th    7         '^'  P'-^^secution  ofl 

f"e  62d,  after  the  batrl^    rv     ,  ^  ^"^  ^^te  of  Canf    cu  • 

ne  battle   [.i-r.bardtjn]    j  ,«.  ^       .      ^^^^  '^^rimpton, 

J  J^s^  "mentioned.     Snm      r 

iome  of  our 


Burgoyne     I    ^^^P^'^^^  ^f  ^^^^^^^  7^^^  Burgoyne,        2 1 


^  guard   and 
f  ^is  com  ma  J 

Ticonderogaj 
perceived  bj 
ger  pursuit 
'^'ng  ordered 
swickers. 
^ay,  and  haj 
>f  the  Amerii 
^'s  men  to 

^  J"^y,  at  iil 
oloneJ  WarJ 
ntish  advanc] 
formed  witJ 
was  fierce  aj 
^  his  regimeij 
er  the  actioj 
one]  Warnei 

'educated  and! 

»ardton,  exemplij 

ence  of  miJitaJ 

>ur  corps  wouli 

•^  ^ave   avaiJel 

should  inf^llij 

o^  the   Britisil 


50  well  supported  by  his  officers  and  men,  that  the 
[ants  broke  and  gave  way.     They  soon,  however, 
rered  from  their  disorder,  reformed,  and  charged  the 
Iricans  with   the  bayonet,  who,  in  turn,  began    to 
[r.     The  latter,  however,  again  rallied,  and  return- 
to  the  charge,  the  issue  of  the  battle  hung  in  the 
jce,  when  at  this  critical  juncture  General  Riedesel 
ired,  with  his   Brunswickers.      He  saw  at  a  glance 
the  Americans  were  moving  more  and  more  to  the 
with  the  evident  intention  of  surrounding  Fraser's 
'ing.     He  therefore  resolved  to  out  maneuver  them, 
Issible,  and  gain  their  rear.     Accordingly,  he  ordered 
impany  of  yagers  to  advance  to  the  attack,  while 
rest  of  the  troops  were  to  endeavor  to  fall  upon  the 
of  the  Americans.     In  order,  moreover,  to  make 
believe  that  their  assailants  were  stronger  than  they 
ly  were,  he  ordered  a  band  of  music  to  precede  the 
;rs.     At  this  moment,  an  aid  arrived  wth  a  message 
Fraser  to  the  effect  that  he  feared  .lis  left  wing 
^Id  be  surrounded.     Riedesel  sent  word  back  to  him 
ieep  up  courage  for  that  he  was,  at  that  very  instant, 
It   to   attack    the    enemy's    right    wing.       Accord- 
ly,  at  the  word,  Riedesel's  yagers,   chaunting  their 
lonal  hymns,   advanced  courageously  upon  the  Ame- 
iis,  and  were  met  by  a  brisk  fire  from  four  hundred 


brs  stood  ex '.mining  papers  taken  from  the  pocket  of  Col.  Francis  orr 

ield.     As  the  captain  held  the  papers  he  leaped  and  exclaimed  that  he 

[badly  wounded.     The  officers  heard  the  whizzin  ;  of  the  ball,  and  saw 

^moke  of  the  fire,   but  failed   to  find  the  man   who  aimed  with  such 

|t,  and  who  escaped  without  seizure  or  even  being  seen." 


pt 


22 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.  S    Camp\ 


•nl 


men.      Far,  however,  from  shrinking,  the  Brunswj 
pressed    on    so    vigorously    that  the   Americans 
themselves    almost    surrounded,     stopped    fighting 
retreated,    leaving  behind    them    twelve    pieces   oji 
tillery.     The  victory,  however,  had  not  been  easilyi 
General  Fraser  acknowledged  that  he  would  have| 
in  great  danger  had  it  not  been  for  Riedesel's  timel 
since    if  reinforcements    had    not    arrived   at   thel 
moment  they  did,  his  whole  corpj  would  have  beerj 
rounded  and  cuc  ofF  to  a  man. 

The  loss   in   this  action   was  severe  on   both 
Colonel   Hale,    who,   on   account    of  illness,    hac] 
brought  his   regiment  into   action,   fell  in    with  a 
party   of  the  British,   and,    with   a  number  of  his 
all  raw  militia,  was  captured.^     In  killed,  woundecl 
prisoners,  the  Americans  lost  in  this  action  three  hun 
and  twenty-four  men,  and  th.^  British,  one  hundrecj 


^-three 
Idiers,  a 
fhile  thes| 
;ral   Burc 

ir.     I'"'  ''^1 
te  which 

,  and 
)lece  -,  ai1 
ie  in  two 
;s  had  bu 

lurgoynt 
Ired  by  a 
Ilia  at  SI 
[e,  three  i 
bed  a  mo 
lurning  th< 


^  Col.  Nathr.r.  Hale  (the  grandfather  of  Hon.  Robert  S.  Hale,  M, 
Elizabethtown,  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.),  who  was  in  this  battle  was  charj 
the  time,    by   personal  enemies,   not  only   with  cowardice,   but  alsol 
treasonable  communication  with  Burgoyne  while  a  prisoner.     The 
was  thoroughly  investigated,   and  both  charges  found  without  a  shaci 
evidence  to   sustain   it.      Indeed,    I   have   now    before  me   a  certified 
Burgoyne's  own  handwriting  (who,  although  he  may  not  have  been 
general,  yet  certainly  was  a  man   of  honor),  in  which  he  certifies  ''i 
,honor  as  a  gentleman  and  a  soldier,"   that  Col.  Hale  has  never  comil 
■  cated  to  him  any  improper  information,  and  further,   that  no  converl 
even,  has  passed  between  them,  "except  the  ordinary  dinner  table  coui 
between  gentlemen."     Poor  Hale  died  a  prisoner  at  the  age  of  thirty-l 
and  never  had  the  opportunity,  which  he  earnestly  sought,  to  vindicate! 
iSelf  by  court  martial. 


ying 


theii 


ir  retreat 
led  this  s' 
meantim 
galleys,  : 
ipletely 
three  w 
^ired,  and 
feaux,  am 
burn,  the 
treated  bj 
[Meanwh 
van-gu; 
of  the 


nurgoyne.   9    Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        23 


the  Brunsu 
Americans 
^ped    fightingj 
ve    pieces    c 
)t  been  easilv 

would  have 

^esel's  timel! 

ived   at   the 

jJd  have  beerj 


e  on    both 
illness,    had 
1  in   with  a 
Tiber  of  his 
led,  woundec 
:ion  three  hurJ 
one  hundrej 

>bert  S.  Kale,  U\ 
battle  was  charj 
vardice,   but  als«| 
Jrisoner.      The 
J  without  a  shaf 
re  me  a  certified 
not  have  been 
^1  he  certifies  '< 
has  never  coniJ 
that  no  converl 
linner  table  coJ 
e  age  of  thirty  J 
l^t,  to  vindicate! 


-three  —  among   whom  was    Maj.    Grant,   of  the 
diers,  a  most  excellent  and  brave  officer, 
hile  these  events  were   taking  place  upon  the  land, 
ral    Burgoyne:   was   pursuing   the   enemy    upon  the 
In  a  few   hours   he   destroyed    the    boom    and 
e  which  had  been   constructed  in   front  of  Ticon- 
a,  and   which    had   been   the   work   of  months  to 
lece  ;  and  by  a  few  well  directed  cannon  shots>  he 
in  two   the  colossal   chain   upon    which    so   many 
s  had  hung.     The  passage  being  cleared,  the  fleet 
urgoyne  immediately   entered   Wood    creek,    and 
red  by  a   brisk   wind,   came  up  with  the   American 
11a    at    Skenesborough,    in    the    afternoon.     Mean- 
e,  three  regiments,  which  had  landed  at  South  bay, 
sed  a  mountain  with  great  celerity,  with    the  object 
urning  the   Americans  above   Wood  creek,   and  de- 
ying  their  works  at   Skenesborough,  thus  cutting  ojfF 
r  retreat  to  Fort  Anne.     The  Americans,  however, 
ed  this  stroke  by  the   rapidity  of  their   flight,  but  in 
meantime  the  British  frigates  having   now  come  up, 
galleys,  already  hard  pushed  by  the  gun  boats,   were 
pletely  overpowered.     Two  of  them   surrendered, 
three  were  blown   up.     The  Ainericans   now   de- 
ired,  and   having  set   fire  to  their   works,    mills  and 
eaux,  and  otherwise  destroyed  what  they  were  unable 
burn,  the   detachment,  under   Colonel   Long,  hastily 
reated  by  way  of  Wood  creek  to  Fort  Anne. 
Meanwhile,  General  St.   Clair,  who  had  arrived  with 
van-guard   at  Castleton,   in    Vermont,   upon    learn- 
of  the  discomfiture  at   Hubbardton  and  the  disaster 


(•^'' 


H        "^^"'P-kn  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 
«  Skenesborough,  and  apprehen,l„.   ,i      ,  l 

!«-up,ed  if  „e  proceeded  owTf         .'  "°" 
;^;o  the  woods,   uncertain   X     r  h^  T'  ^' 

--   two  days  afterward  ae  Manches.e   ',  '"T  '   \ 

°f  the  corps  of  CoWel  W,  ,    '"'  l^^  '^^  'en, 

Edward  and  united  11  7  '""''  ^  "'"'"^^^'''^^  '°  1 

AssoonasBugo;?;';;;:""''^^"-'^^''") 
borough,  he   detached    f  '''''^"^'""''^  Sice, 

.'be  ,th  .•egi.ent,^;;i^'r:;':^^^^«;-,  ^'i''  J 

intercepting  such  of  fK  '  '''e  view  both 

treat  to' thftZ  an  oV'  "  ^"""'^  "'^'"P'  H 
by  the  fan  of  Ti;onde.o.a"  Th"'  ,""  f"'^  "^"^  ^ 
proceeded  manv  miles  thro     .  T        ''"^'^bment  had 

-ok  son.e  boats  ^  l^ht  "°°'^'  '^'"^^  "  ^'^ 
belonging  to  the  enel  '  ^^^'^''  ^°'"'"  ='"''  'M 
to  escape  to  Fort  a2;  t?  ""^  '^°°''  --'^  '"  A 
Arriving  within  a  quarter  f  '',  '^"■'  ''^  °""  ^^^''te 
'earned  through  an  Z.      '  T''^  "'  "'^  '■°«'  ^ol.  H 

-bhimfivehuL^eTa     t;?"^^^^^^^ 
once   halted  in   a  strnn  '""y-'bree  veterans,  he 

-ssengertoBur;;;  ire'r'""  """'"^  ^^"^ 
"Pon  his  arms.  reinforcements,  lay  that  nigl 

Meanwhile   Pnl^^^^i    t 

bythedirectio„'otSu'y;::^:rr'rT'^^^-H 

many  of  them  convalesce «:  h  f '^"'''•e''  "en  J 
Anne,  were  not  p^rsot^^  "'''"  P°^'  «  N 
.        ' ''^'^'""^ '0  ^wa,t  an  attack..     LearniJ 

«e"ry   Van  Rensselaer  to  th; 


Cam]. 

the  spy 
.2th   of  ' 
icrement 
|.°Hill. 

ly  8th), 
[eked  the  ] 
mz  colum 
,,  takinp;ac 
left  flanl 
[ticipator  i] 
lighty  ton 

thern  army. 

Icry,  was  at  I 

n  cause.     Co 

n  at  Fort  Geo 

defile  near  F 

from  Fort  G 

ad  in  rallying 

''s .Memoirs,    e 

uallfy   him  fi 

The  ball, 

,cted  after  his  ( 

Whatever    pre 

le  counties  of  I 

[use  that  it  exis 

volution,   to  [ 

lid  back  until  a 

the  Van  Ren: 

ing   enlisted  in 

d  dependence  ; 

iwerful    tory    f 

ensselaers,   in  ] 

ery  adult  excep 

one  or  more  b 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        25 

the  spy  before  mentioned,  who  had  returned,  the 

lath   of  the    British,   they   determined   Lo    force  an 

icrement  before    Bargoyne    should  be  able  to  assist 

1.   Hill.     Accordingly,  early    the  following  morning 

ly    8th),   Lon'T    suddenly    issued   from   the   fort  and 

[eked  the  English  in  front  ;  while,  at  the  same  time,  a 

m'y  column  under  Van  Rensselaer  crossed  the  creek, 

I,  takingadvantage  of  a  thick  wood,  passed  nearly  round 

left  flank  of  the  British,  and,  in  the  language  of  a 

[ticipator  in  the  action,  "poured  down  upon  them  like 

ighty  torrent."     This,  accompanied  by  a  tremendous 


khein  army.     The    First    New  York  regiment,   with  a   paik   of  brass 

llery,  was  at  Fort  George.      To  save  it  was  all-important  to  the  Ame- 

|in  cause.     Col.   Van  Rensselaer  was  directed  to  pick  out  of  the  militia 

In  at  Fort  George  four  hundred  volunteers,  and  stop  the  British  advance 

defile  near  Fort  Anne  at  all  hazards,  until  he  could  remove  the  stores, 

.,  from  Fort  George.      How  far  he  executed  this  order,  and  the  good  effect 

lad  in  rallying  a  new  army,  will  be  found  in   Burgoyne^s    Tria/,   fVilkln- 

Vs  .Memoirs,   etc.      In   this  a^air  he   was  so  grievously  wounded,  as  to 

Iquallfy   him  from  taking  rank   in  the  line,   and  he  became  a  cripple  for 

The  ball,  which  entered  the  upper  part  of  the  thigh  bone,  was  ex- 

[cted  after  his  death,  quite  flattened. 

[Whatever   prejudice     afterward  existed   against  the  ir.anor  influence,    in 

|e  counties  of  Albany  and  Rensselaer,  it  was  fortunate  for  the  American 

(use  that  it  existed,  and  was  exerted  with  all  its  energy  at  the  dawn  of  the 

jvolution,   to  give   impulse  to  its   pi  ogress.      Whilst  some  otner  manors 

^Id  back  until  after  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  the  upper  and  lower  manors 

the  Van  Rensselaers  struck  at  once  for  American  freedom  ;   and  by   so 

l>ing   enlisted  in  its  cause  all  its  numerous  connections  of  blood,    niarriage 

id  dependence  ;  and   this   produced  a  counterpoise   to  the   numerous  and 

jwerful    tory    families    residing    in    those    frontier   counties.     The   Van 

lensselaers,   in  1776,    consisted  of  eighteen   males.      During  the   struggle 

/ery  adult  except  two  old  men,  and  all  minors  except  four  boys,  bore  arms 

one  or  more  battles,  during  its  progress. 


1 


26        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

and  well  directed  fire  of  small  arms,*  compelled  (| 
Hill,  in  order  to  avoid  being  completely  surrounded,! 
take  post  on  the  top  of  a  hill.  No  sooner,  however, 
he  taken  up  this  position,  than  the  Americans  reforr 
and  attacked  it  so  vigorously,  in  an  engagement  whl 
lasted  for  moie  tl.an  two  hours,  that  he  must  soon  hJ 
surrendered,  had  not  the  ammunition  of  the  AmericJ 
given  out  —  a  misfortune,  moreover,  which  was  incrcaJ 
by  the  arrival,  at  this  critical  time  most  opportunely 
the  British,  of  a  party  of  Indians,  under  Colonel  Monj 
who  with  the  war-whoop,  dashed  in,  and  forced  the  Airl 
ricans,  in  their  turn,  to  give  way.  Colonel  Long,  thcr) 
upon,  not  being  able  to  withstand  the  force  of  Mm 
General  Phillips,  who  with  the  20th  regiment  consistir 
cf  five  hundred  and  twenty  men  and  two  pieces  of  aj 
tillery,  was  pressing  forward  to  the  assistance  of  Hi 
fired  the  fort,  and  with  the  remnants  of  his  spartan  bar] 
fell  back  on  Fort  Edward. 

General  Phillips,  learning  upon  his  arrival,  that  thl 
enemy  had  retired,  imrnediatelv  marched  back  to  Skene;! 
borough,  leaving  behind  a  sergeant  and  a  small  guard  i| 
take  care  of  the  wounded.^  On  the  13th  the  American? 
reoccupied  the  site  of  the  fort. 


^  Deputy  Quartermaster-General  Money  said  that  the  Americans'  fire  w; 
heavier  at  Fort  Anne  than  on  any  other  occasion  during  the  campaign,  ex  I 
cept  in  the  action  of  the  19th  September. 

'■^  yournal  of  Occurrences  during  the  late  American  ivar,  to  the  year   lySji 
by  R.  Lamb,  sergeant  in  tlie  Royal   Welsh   fusileers,  Dublin,  1809.     Mi| 
Lamb,  who  is  the  one  referred   to  in   •:he  text  as  a   "  participator  in  th^ 
action,"   and   who  was  the  sergeant  left    in    charge   of  the  wounded,  wal 
evidently  a  man  of  education  and  intelligence.     He  gives  a  graphic  accoun'| 
of  the  action  at  Fort  Anne,  and  says  : 


compelled  ( 

surrounded, 
r,  however 

'Cans  re  for 
igement  vvl] 
"ust  soon  h:i 
the  Am  eric 
1  was  incrcaii 
PPortuneJy  • 

Jonel  Mont 
teed  the  Am, 

'  ^ong,  thcr 
>rce  of  Ma 

P^H  consist! 

pieces  of  a 
ince  of  Hi 

spartan  bar^ 


i^al,  that  thl 
k  to  Skene! 
lall  guard 
■  Americai]] 


Campaign  of  General  Jobr.  Burgoyne.       27 

fcneral  Burgoyne,  in  accordance  with  his  usual  policy, 

ncd  a  victory  in  this  affair,  a  claim   which  was  not 

lifted  by  the  facts.      He  certainly  did  not  retain  pos- 

jion  of  the  battlefield  ;   and   not  only   does  General 

hIc'scI  state,  in  his  journal,  "  that  the  English,  after  a 

Ig  fight  at  Fort  Anne  were  forced  to  retreat,"  but  the 

jtish  abandoned  Captain  Montgomery — a  brothcr-in- 

of  Lord  Townshei.d  and  a   wounded  officer  of  great 

jrit  —  a  surgeon  and   other  prisoners,  when  —  in  the 

louage  of  Burgoyne  in  describing  this  actioh  to  ^  '^rd 

irmaine  —  they  "changed    ground."     This    scarcely 

ids  like  a  victory.  ^ 


"It  was  a  distressing  ?ii'ht  to  see  the  wounded  men  bleeding  on  the 

und,  and  what  made   ii    more  so,  the  rain  came  pouring  down   like  a 

uge  upon  us  5   and  still  to  add  to  the  distress  of  the  sufferers,  there  was 

thing  to  dress  their  wounds,  as  the  small  medicine  box  which  was  filled 

th  salve,  was  left  behind  with  Sergeant  Shelly  and  Captain  Montgomery 

the  time  of  our  movement  up  the  hill.      The  poor  fellows  earnestly  en- 

ated  me  to  tie  up  their  wounds.     Immediately  I  took  off  my  shirt,  tore 

up,  and  with  the  help  of  a  soldier's  wife  (the  only  woman  that  was  with 

,  and  who  also  kept  close  by  her  husband's  side  during  the  engagement), 

ade  some  bandages,  stopped  the  bleeding  of  their  wounds,  and  conveyed 

em  in  blankets  to  a  small  hut  about  two  miles  in  our  rear.  .  .  .  Our  regi- 

ent  now  marched  back  to  Skenesborough,  leaving  me  behind  to  attend  to 

e  wounded  with  a  small  guard  for  our  protection.      I  was  directed  that,  in 

asc  I  was  either  surrounded  or  overpowered  by  the  Americans,  to  deliver  a 
tter,  which  General  Burgoyne  gave  me,  to  their  commanding  officer, 
here  I  remained  seven  days  with  the  wounded  men,  expecting  every 
oment  to  be  taken  prisoners  j   but  although  we  heard  the  enemy  cutting 

rees  every  night  during  our  stay,  in  order  to  block  up  the  passages  of  the 

oad  and  the  river,  we  were  never  molested." 

'To  enable  the  reader  of  the  present  day  to  have  a  clear  idea  of  the 

cene  of  this  action,  the  following  is  given  from  Neilson  :  "  On  leaving  the 

street  of  Fort  Anne  village,  there  is  a   bridge  over  Wood  creek,  leading  to 


2S 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


^P    to   the    time    nf   R.  ,  ' 

been   to   return   to   Ti..  ^  """"^  "'°"'d  M 

George  to  the  ft  oZZ'''  "1  ''^"^^  ""  ^ 
di-ct  road  to  Fort  Edwar  "  '  "^""  "'^^^  ^H 
'ermined  to  push  on  to  F    / 1  """      °'"  "'"'''  "^^  J 

--!^-her,  and  i.«:?;;-rLf  ;^.:| 

-^between  ehe  ..o  is  a  na  J^I    ^/rT^'"  "^"^'^  ^^^^  ^^l 
^  ^^^  pass  ah-eady  Mentioned.      On      L  ^^  ?""''  ^''''  ^^-^ - 

^^  wood  on  e;.e  n,ht  bank  of  .1^^  ^^^""^  ''•   '"'^  ""^  P^^^'  ^i 
"P°n   the  left  flank  of  the  British    i^:    T  "'^'^  ^'"  ^--'""s  fij 

^-;;;;-he,re.ea.dand::r:;::^^^^^^^ 

^'  ^^-  ^^^  ^'^e\^:^:^- ^-^"^  -  -in.  -nd  B,  U.e  Oe.. 
«^"^te,  for  it    would  have  offer      to  •    ""  '^^^'"^^   ^'-'  ■«  "ota; 

Schuyler  very  trul,  repliedt  w  :^^^^^^^^  ^^^^'^  ^    ^^t' Geor,' 

f '^.  ^-e,  "  was  part  o.'  an  u   fi!:    "r"  ''  '  '''''''  '^  ^^^^--^  '^  -• 
^'l  -  was  a  barracic   capable  of "^  j^j"   t"  "'  ^"  '"""'^^   ^'^'-^'^--'n 
^'thout  ditch,   without  wall    wi  ho  '  "   ^''^^y  ^"^   «%  -en 

P-ent  .„  ene.y  fro.  run   inTotrt:"^^";  ''t  ''''-'  ^^  P'"''-  ^^ 
-;bove  one  hundred  and  fifty'  Z        d  ^"^"'  "  ""  ^°  ""■ 

overlooking  it,  and  within  point  bCk  con.n,anded  by  ground  greativ 

-^  -„  ,,^,,  between  thtst:^  7^- --ed  that  five, u. 
f  7  ^^'-^  — ^.'  defensible  fo  t"  "•  ^"'  '?  ^^''■^'  ^"^^-^  ^^ing  see. 
^-dence  to  the  report  current  at  T'  '  ^""^^"'   '^    -«  give 

-  Jort  ^nne  in  order  to  ob  i^r  h  ff T,  ^  •  ''''"'''  ^^^  ^'^  ^^^ 

^«^der,nthatregion--bygivin,hlr  '"  '''"~~^  ^'^^^^  ^-^- 

a  ro.H  ..  ....  y  ^  -ng  h,.  the  us.  ..,,  troops  to  open  for  hi. 

'  ^^"Jts,  was  an  honorable 


m 


^Ph  erred  in  judgm 


ent. 


Cam} 

'he  coun 

Istance  of 

savage  ; 

rous  roads 

imps.       C 

ing  by  art 

have  pur] 

re   opened 

ks  throwr 

in  the  c 

It  in  such  : 

]  across  an 

locked  prt 

js  wilderne 

penetrable 

t  only  to 

ore  than  fo 

more  tha 

n  his  arri\ 

Ince  upon  . 

Ichuyler  ha( 

e  sent   a  d( 

aum,  to  Bt 

hich  he  ha 

itood  sorely 

itep  by  the 

ured   him   i 

'  It  was  while 
)f'  Jane  McCre: 
listory  of  this  a  I 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        29 

'he  country  between  P'ort  Anne  and  Fort  Edward, 
[stance  of  about  sixteen  miles,  was  extremely  rough 
savage  ;  the  ground  unequal  and  broken  up  by  nu- 
rous  roads  and  creeks  interspersed  by  wide  and  deep 
imps.  General  Schuyler  neglected  no  means  of 
ling  by  art  to  the  difficulties  with  which  nature  seemed 
I  have  purposely  interdicted  this  passage.  Trenches 
[re  opened  ;  the  roads  and  paths  obstructed  ;  large 
:ks  thrown  into  Wood  creek,  the  bridges  broken  up  ; 
1,  in  the  only  practicable  defiles,  immense  trees  were 
|t  in  such  a  manner  on  both  sides  of  the  road,  as  to 
|l  across  and  lengthwise,  which  with  their  branches  in- 
rlocked  presented  an  insurmountable  barrier.  In  fact, 
[is  wilderness,  in  itself  so  horrible,  was  rendered  almost 
ipcnetrable.  Burgoyne,  consequently,  was  compelled 
)t  only  to  remove  all  these  obstructions,  but  to  build 
lore  than  forty  bridges  —  one  particularly,  over  a  morass 
more  than  two  miles  in  length.  Nor  was  this  all. 
•  n  his  arrival  at  Fort  Anne^  instead  of  advancing  at 
Incc  upon  Fort  P2dward  and  thence  to  Albany  before 
Ichuyler  had  time  to  concentrate  his  forces  in  his  front, 
|e  sent  a  detachment  of  Brunswlckers,  under  Colonel 
laum,  to  Bennington  to  surprise  and  capture  some  stores 
^hich  he  had  heard  were  at  that  place,  and  of  which  he 
Itood  sorely  in  need.      He  was  also  influenced   to  this 

r  J 

^tep  by  the  advice   of  his  friend   Major  Skene,  who  as- 
sured  him   that  large  numbers  of  the  yoemanry  of  the 


'  It  was  while  Burj^oyne  was  at  Fort  Anne  that  the  accidental  shooting 
)f  Jane  McCrea  by  the  garrison  of  Fort  Edward  occurred.  For  a  true 
listory  of  this  affair  see  Appendix  No.  IV. 


JO        Campaign  of  General  John  Bu^goyne. 

country  would   flock   to   his   standard  —  an  expecta: 
which  the  event  proved  to  be  entirely  fallacious. 

General  Riedesel,  who  commanded  the  German  al 
was  totally  opposed  to  this  diversion,  but  being  overru 
he  proposed  that  Baum  should  march  in  the  rear  of 
enemy,  by  way  of  Castleton,  toward  the  Connect! 
river.  Had  this  plan  been  adopted,  the  probability 
that  the  Americans  would  not  have  had  time  to  prev 
Baum  from  falling  unawares  upon  their  rear.  Burgov 
however,  against  the  advice  of  Riedesel  and  Phillips, 
sisted  obstinately  on  his  plan,  which  was  that  BaJ 
should  cross  the  Batten  kil  opposite  Saratoga,  move  dov 
the  Connecticut  river  in  a  direct  line  to  Benningtc 
destroy  the  magazine  at  that  place,  and  mount  the  Bruii 
wick  dragoons,  who  were  destined  to  form  part  of  t 
expedition.^  In  this  latter  order  a  fatal  blunder  was  co 
mitted  by  employing  troops,  the  most  awkward  and  hea 
in  an  enterprise  where  everything  depended  on  tl 
greatest  celerity  of  movement,  while  the  rangers  wh 
were  lightly  equipped,  were  left  behind  ! 

Let  us  look  for  a  moment  at  a  fully  equipped  Bruns 
wick  dragoon  as  he  appeared  at  that  time,     fie  wore  hig 
and  heavy  jack  boots,  with  large  long  spurs,  stout  and  stiti 
leather   breeches,   gauntlets,   reaching  high  up  upon  hi 
arms,  and  a  hat  with  a  huge  tuft  of  ornamental  feathers 
On  his  side  he  trailed  a  tremendous  broad  sword  ;  a  shor 
but   clumsy  carbine  was   slung  over   his   shoulder  ;  aiii 
down  his  back   like  a  Chinese  mandarin,  dangled  a  lon[ 


Cai 

le.     Sue 
icral,  on 
ihers.    T" 

m  the  b^ 
ridiculej 

camp  wi 
ing  (wbJ 
them  w( 
te's  equi] 
ese  light 
)liged  to 
em  for  t^ 
The  vesi 
ent  of  tb| 
Ihe  afternoj 
rom  bis 
one,  witi 
ar  superic 
reatly  aid 
t  Toward 
General 
*'  small  b' 
different 
shirt  slee 
make  an 
who  ba(^ 
were  all 
him,  sul 


I 


^  And  yet  General  Riedesel  states  that  1500  horses  had  been  purchase;  1 
in  Canada  as  early  as  the  middle  of  June,  for  the  army.      What  became  u 
them  ? 


I  This 
the  de*^eat 
is  an  enti 


m^goyne. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgojne,        31 


-an  expecta 

liiacious. 

e  German  all 

being  overriij 
the  rear  of 

he  Connect! 
probabilitji 

'me  to  prev 

^'■.  Burgo\ 
"d  PhilJips,',, 
as  that  Bay] 
^a,  move  dov 
^  Benningto 
^nt  the  Brun 
^  part  of  t[ 
ider  was  cofij 
ard  and  heavi 
ided    on    d 

rangers  wl]| 

PPed  BrunJ 
^e  wore  hk\ 
■oil t  and  sti: 
"P  upon  hi 
-al  feather. 
I'd  ;  a  shor 
Jlder  ;  aji 
?^ed  a  Jonfi 


e.     Such  were  the  troops  sent  out   by  the  British 
leral,  on  a  service  requiring  the  lightest  of  light  skir- 
ihers.    The  latter  however,  did  not  err  from  ignorance, 
m  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  the  English  officers 
ridiculed  these  unwieldy  troopers,  who  strolled  about 
camp  with  their  heavy  sabres  dragging  on  the  ground, 
ing  (what  was  a  fact)  that  the  hat  and  sword  of  one 
them  were  as  heavy  as  the  whole  of  an  English  pri- 
te's  equipment.     But,   as   if  this  was   not  sufficient, 
ese  light  dragoons  were  still  further  cumbered  by  being 
liged  to  carry  flour,  and  drive  a  herd  of  cattle  before 
em  for  their  maintenance  on  the  way. 
The  result  may  be  easily  foreseen.     By  a  rapid  move- 
ent  of  the  Americans  under  Stark,  at  three  o'clock  of 
Ihe  afternoon  of  the  i6th  of  August,  Baum  was  cut  off 
from  his  English  allies,  who  fled  and  left   him  to  fight 
lone,  with  his  awkwardly  equipped  squad,  an  enemy 
far  superior   in  numbers.     In   this  maneuver  Stark  was 
reatly  aided  by  a  ruse  practiced  on  the  German  colonel. 
'Toward  9  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  i6th,"  writes 
iGeneral  Riedesel,  in   giving  an  account  of  this  action, 
*'  small  bodies  of  armed  men  made  their  appearance  from 
different  directions.     These  men  were  mostly  in   their 
shirt  sleeves.     They  did  not  act  as  if  they  intended  to 
make  an  attack  ;  and   Baum,  being  told  by  a  provincial 
who  had  joined  his  army  on  the  line  of  march,  that  they 
were  all   loyalists  and  would  mr'     common  cause  with 
him,  suffered  them   to  encamp  on   his  sides  and   rear.^ 


een  purchase: 
'at  became  "• 


'  This  confidence,  perhaps,  was  the  first  and  chief  false  step  which  caused 
the  de*^eat  of  Bennington,  and  consequently  the  fail"re  of  Burgoyne.  This 
is  an  entirely  new  revelation. 


32        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


ii 


Shortly  after  another  force  of  the  rebels  arrived  and 
tacked  his  rear  ;  but  with  the  aid  of  artillery,  they  w 
repulsed.     After  a  little  while  a  stronger  body  made  tl 
appearance  and  attacked  more  vigorously.     This  was li 
signal  for  the  seeming  loyalists,  who  had  encamped 
the  sides  and  rear  of  the  army,  to  attack  the  German 
and  the  result  was  that  Baum  suddenly  found  himself  c 
oft'  from  ^11   his  detached   p  sts."     For  over  two  hou 
he  withstood  the  sallies  a'":d  tire  of  the  Americans  —  t 
dragoons   to  a  man,  fighting   like   heroes  —  but   at   la; 
his  ammunition  giving  out,  and  the  reinforcements  whic 
he  had  sent  for  not  arriving,  he  was  obliged  to  give  w; 
before  superior  numbers  and  retreat.    "  The  enemy,"  sa, 
Riedesel,  "  seemed  to  spring  out  of  the  ground."    Twic 
the  dragoons  succeeded  in  breaking  a  road  through  th 
forces  of  Stark,  for,  upon  their  ammunition  being  use. 
up,  Baum  ordered  that  they  should   sling  their  carbine 
over  their   shoulders,  and   trust  to  their   swords.      Bu:? 
bravery  was  now  in  vain  ;  and  the  heroic  leader,  himsel: 
mortally  wounded  in  the  abdomen  by  a  bullet,  and  havin^l 
lost  three  hundred  and  sixty  out  of  four   hundred,  war 
forced  to  surrender.     Meanwhile,  the  Indians  and  Pro- 
vincials had  taken  flight  and  sought  safety  in  the  forest. 
While   these   events   were   taking   place.   Lieutenant 
Colonel  Breymann,  who  had  been  sent  by  Riedesel  to 
the  aid  of  Baum,  reached  the  bridge  of  St.  Luke  at  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.      Here  he  was  met  by  Major 
Skene,  who  assured  him  that  he  was  only  two  miles  dis- 
tant from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum.     Skene,  however, 
not  informing  him  of  the  latter's  defeat,  he  continued  his 


Cami 

cb  as  qui! 
being 
d.     Scl 


I  Stedman, 

at  Baum  ca{ 

e  following 

lagnanimity 

lart  against  t 

igainst  the  1 

Lmstance  is 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        23 

rch  as  quickly  as  possible,  although  his  troops  —  the 
being  unusually  hot  and  sultry  —  were  greatly 
Igued.  Scarcely  had  he  advanced  fifteen  hundred 
hes  on  the  bridge,  when  he  descried  a  strongly  armed 
rce  on  an  eminence  toward  the  west.  Skene  assured 
this  force  were  not  the  enemy  ;  but  Breymann,  not 
(isfied  with  this  assurance,  sent  ahead  some  scouts  who 
he  immediately  received  with  a  volley  of  musketry.^ 
[rcciving  how  the  case  stood,  he  at  once  ordered  Major 
irner  to  advance  upon  the  hill,  sent  his  grenadiers  to 
r-ght,  put  the  guns  of  both  regiments  into  position, 
Id  directed  the  fire  upon  a  log-house  occupied  by  the 
\ericans.  The  Germans  drove  the  en^my  across 
Iree  ridges  of  land,  but  their  ammunition  giving  out, 
ley  were  obliged  to  desist  from  the  pursuit.  Thereupon, 
le  Americans,  guessing  the  cause  of  the  halt,  in  their 
Irn  once  more  advanced  ;  upon  which  Breymann,  rely- 
Ig  solely  upon  the  fast  gathering  darkness  to  save  him- 
Jlf,  halted  his  men  opposite  the  enemy,  and  remained 
lere  until  it  was  perfectly  dark.  Then  under  cover  of 
le  night,  he  retreated  across  the  bridge  but  was  forced 
leave  his  cannon.  At  twelve  o'clock  that  same  night, 
le  arrived  with  his  tired  troops  at  Cambridge,  and  reached 
le   main   army  at   Fort  Miller  on   the    17th.     In   this 


'  Stedman,  in   his   History  of  the  American    ff^ar,  ^art    I,   p.   41 7,  states 

lat  Baum  captured  on  the  first  day,  an  American  corps,  which  was  released 

le  following  day  by  Major  Skene,  under  the  imptession   that  this  act  of 

lagnanimity  would  influence  the  released  Americans  to  take  no  farther 

[art  against  their  king.      He  adds  that  these   very  ones  fought  the  hardest 

Igainst   the  English    at    Bennington.     No   mention,  however,  of  this   cir- 

lumstance  is  made  either  in  Riedesel's  journals  or  in  the  report  of  Baum. 


s  some 

s,  several 

prisoner! 

ing  upoi 

ry  of  ^^ 

id  not  pj 

eople,  oi 

expediti( 

iih  the  f 

jfirst  light: 

The  s 

\  is  campi 

icessfully  1 

of  th 


jThese  beauti 

he  vicissitude 

bee  with  the 

ennington,  i 

eral  Hull's 

British  offic 

American 

nington,  A' 

se  to  be  add 

gust  i6th,  I 

orgc,  at  the 

Inds  of  the  i^ 

n  had  them 

salutes  in  I 

Upper  Can; 

2  For  Stark 
huyler,  and 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        3  5 


u  f 


I,  the    Americans   captured    four    brass    cannons,* 

;s  some  hundred  stands  of  arms  and  brass  barrelled 

|s,  several  Brunswick  swords,  and  about  seven  hun- 

prisoners.'^     '*  It  is  true,"  says  Riedesel,  in  com- 

(ing  upon  this  action,  "  that  justice  was  done  to  the 

?ry  of  Colonel  Baurn,  but  the  English  also  said,  that 

lid  not  possess  the  least  knowledge  of  the  country, 

people,  or  its  language.     But  who  selected  him  for 

[expedition  ? " 

Vkh  the  failure  of  this  expedition  against  Bennington, 

[first  lightning  flashed  from  Burgoyne's  hitherto  serene 

I.     The  soldiers,  as  well  as  their  officers,  had  set  out 

ll  is  campaign  with  cheerful  hearts  ;   for  the  campaign 

:essfully  brought  to  a  close,  all  must  end  in  the  tri- 

[ph  of  the  royal  arms,      "  Britons  never  go  back," 


III  ' 


iThese  beautiful  brass  pieces  of  artillery  were  destined  to  undergo  several 
[he  vicissitudes  of  war.  They  are  French  cast,  and  were  brought  from 
kbec  with  the  army  of  Burgoyne.  They  were  afterward  inscribed  "  taken 
lennington,  August  i6,  1777,"  and  constituted  a  part  of  the  artiilsry  of 
leral  Hull's  army,  and  fell  into  the  enemy's  hands  at  Detroit.  When 
British  officer  of  the  day  ordered  the  evening  salutes  to  be  fired  from 
American  cannon,  he  chanced  to  read  the  inscription,  "Taken  at 
inington,  August  16th,  1777,"  whereupon  he  observed  that  he  would 
be  to  be  added  as  an  additional  line  to  the  verse,  "  Retaken  at  Detroit, 
Igust  1 6th,  18 12."  The  guns  were  carried  by  the  British  down  to  Fort 
prgc,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  river,  where  they  a^ain  fell  into  the 
ids  of  the  American  army,  which  captured  that  fortress.  General  Dear- 
rn  had  them  transported  to  Sackett's-Harbor,  and  with  them  were  fired 
:  salutes  in  honor  of  Harrison's  victory  over  Proctor  at  the  river  Thames, 
Upper  Canada.     The  guns  are  now  in  Washington. 

'  For  Stark's  account  of  the  battle  of  Bennington  in  a  letter  to  General 
ihuyler,  and^also  a  narrative  of  one  of  the  participants  in  the  action,  sec 
Ippendix,  No.  III. 


36        C'^'xpaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne       , 

g""=-   took    the   place      .^'"''y°"«'^'n«ion  and  || 
buoyancy.  "'^    '^^^^^    confidence  aj 

.On    his    arrival    at    Forf    F^        j        , 
evacuated  bv  the  Am    •  ^^'''''  ^'"■'^''  ^ad   be 

-y.  the  Lg  s^;  ::r:-''-pp-chortheB,, 

N«-,  o,  as'  they'::;  an  Tt^'  '''  ^°H 
J"dfnns.  Thev  agreed  to  fih'  •*■  ^'"''''"  J°h"^«J 
children  were  senr  o  C all  T"''  ''^'^  '^"-^  4 
-hich  was  faithfully  carri  d  !  T    T"""^''  '  '^'"4 

-7-r  was  people'd  ^I^^LJ^TTT'^ 
settlers.    The  latter  nr.,.  ~^  ™'"'  ^«ch,  and  Engll 

^'Wed  by  Burg  ;:;  ^I^  '  J  '<'  '^  6-"  -yalists,  ^J 

"-'fficers,   notL,,;f::;;;"'™"g-P--mationsl 

^''""t    the    ca„,p    at     her?  """'  ''"'  '°  S'™1 

restraint.      -  ^^J    /    '"^"^   '^'^^'e,    and    without    J 

}onrn.l,  ^  ^,,,   ..^  J^"'    ''owever/'    says    Riedesel  f 

'111    out  roya  ists       T^k«  I 

"^proved  the  opportunity  to  .    n  inM^'   ^°"^^<J"^'"l| 
occurrences  in  the  armv  h!  '"'^"'g^"«  of  ai!  ,J 

-•th  co„,„,„„i„,,;;^.^^  appearances,  and  they  fortJ 

forces  that  which  thLdT""';"  "'  '''  ^-vl 
«-"y  reached  the  H     son  aTh"  T'''     «-'"| 

'^'■'^  those  of  the  Gern^an  7  """"  '  °'  "'^  ^^"^'1 

horsed.  Their  nu^br  had  '"T '^'  "^" '^^'  ^-^ 
«nd  .his  nun^ber  con  t  tu  L  T  "^'"'"'''  '°  '-"'>•  1 
'he  invading  ar„,y  ^  '^'  '""''  "^alry  force  „, 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.         ]y 


III. 

>n  the  13th  of  September,  the  royal  army,  with   the 

rcption  of  the  German  troops  composing  the  left  wing, 

)ssed   the  Hudson    by  a  bridge  of  boats,  with  the  de- 

In  of  forming   a  junction  with    Sir    Henry  Clinton  at 

Ibanv.^    It  encamped  on  the  heights  and  plains  of  Sara- 

ra  near  the  mouth  of  Fish  creek  (the  present    site  of 

[huvlerviile),  within  a  few  miles  of  the  northern   divi- 

ni  of  the  continentals  under  Gates  —  Burgoyne  selecting 

;neral    Schuyler's  house  as   his  headquarters.^     After 


The  Brunswick  Journal  states,  that  as  early  as  the  19th  of  August, 
iser  having  occupied  Fort  Miller  on  the  qth  of  that  month,  a  bridge  was 
Bt  mnde  abo've  the  present  Saratoga  falls  or  rapids  ;  but  upon  a  better 
ice  being  found  lower  down,  it  was  broken  up  and  a  new  one  built  beloiu 

rapids. 

[while  preparations  for   crossing   the  river  were    making,  Burgoyne,  says 
;ilson,  "  encamped  on  an  extensive  flat  or  intervale,  about  one  hundred  rod 
[rth  of  Lansing's  saw-mill.     Here  he  had  quite  an  extensive  slaughter-yard 
lich  so  enriched  the  soil  that  its  effects  are  still  visible  on  the  corn  crops 
Id  other   productions."     The  exact  place  where  the  British  crossed   the 
(udson  was  just    below  the  Saratoga  falls,  two  miles   above  Schuylerville, 
Ime   eighty  rods    northwest  of  the  present   residence   of  Abraham  Yates 
logers.     The  entrenchments  which  were  at  that  time  thrown  r.p  to  cover 
iie  passage  of  the  river,  are  still   to  be  sden   very  plainly.     They  are  three 
lundred  feet  in  length  and  from  four   to  six  feet  high,  but  are  overgrown 
►ith   scrub    ';ines.      Mr.  Rogers,  whose   grandfather  lived  on    the  farm   at 
le  time,  informs  me  that  within  thirty  years  the  wooden  platforms  for  the 
innon  were    in  existence  behind   the  entrenchment."     The  survey  of  the 
lilrcad  from  Greenwich   to  Saratoga  Springs  was  through  these  entrench- 
ments. 

Buryoyne  did   not   cross  as   soon   as    he  expected,   because,  finding   his 
t)rovisions  short,  he  was  obliged   to  wait  until  supplies  could  be  brought  up 


3  8        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

crossing  the  bridge  ^  the  9th,  20th,  2 1  st  and  62d  regimei| 
with  the  artillery,  were  stationed  on  the  plain  near 
river,  between  the  barracks^  and  the  Fish  kil,  the  bateaj 
on  the  right  Lank  being  crossed  by  six  companies  of  j 
47th.  The  hills  around  Saratoga  were  so  dens| 
covered  with  woods  and  underbrush  that  it  was  impJ 
sible  to  place  the  army  in  position  to  withstand  an  attaj 
from   the  Americans.      Accordingly  all  of  the  generJ 


from  Ticonderoga.     Sergeant  Lamb  was  accordingly  sent  back  alone 
being  thus  less  liable  to  attract  observation)  to  that  post  and  soon  retur:j 
with  a  month's  provisions.     For  an  account  of'  his  trip,  see  Appendix  ^| 
XV. 

*  The  Brunswick  Journal,  in  speaking  of  the  passage  of  this  bridge,  sayj 
"  The  a-vant-guarde  under  Fraser  was  the  first  to  march  over.      At  nij 
o'clock   the  reserve  under   Lieut.  Col.  Breymann  followed   after   them 
order   to  cover   Fraser's   left  flank.     The  Germans,  who  formed   the  id 
wing  of  the  army  went  over  last  of  all  [two  days  afterwards]  5  as  soon  as  til 
last  man  had  crossed   the  bridge  it  was   broken  up.     They  had  passed  tJ 
Rubicon^  and   all   further   communication  wlih   Canada  was   now   cut  01 
The   army  which,  on  first  setting  off  from  there,  was    10,000  strong,  hi 
already  diminished  to  6000  [1000  had  been  left  at  Ticonderoga]  and  evel 
these  were  provided  with  provisions  not  only  scant  in  quantity,  but  badi| 
quality. 

^  These  barracks  were  used  as  a  hospital  and  were  located  on  the  nortil 
side  of  the  road  to  Saratoga  Springs,  directly  upon  the  present  site  of  the  rel 
barns  of  the  Hon.  Alonzo  Welch  of  Schuylerville,  who  resides  a  few  rodj 
east  of  the  barns  in  the  main  village  street.  The  barracks  were  standinJ 
and  occupied  by  a  farmer  up  to  within  thirty  years.  In  March,  1867,  Mrj 
Welch,  while  plowing  back  of  his  barns,  came  across  the  burying  place  o!] 
the  hospital.     The  bones  thus  exhumed,  he  carefully  reburied. 

Schuyler's  house  (so  say  the  manuscript  Journals  of  the  Brunswick  offij 
ccrs)  \yas  betiveen  the  old  village  of  Ticonderoga  and  the  Fish  kil.  Thil 
fact  is  of  great  importance  in  locating  the  old  village,  which,  by  the  way,! 
at  best  consisted  of  only  a  few  scattered  houses. 


urgoyne. 


J  62d  rcgimerl 
plj^in  near  ; 
k'J,  the  batea 
>mpaiiies  of 
'le  so  densj 
it  was  imp(j 
stand  an  attaJ 
f  the  generc] 

nt  back   alone 
:  and  soon  returJ 
see  Appendix  J 

'f  this  bridge,  savj 
h  over.  At  nil 
ed  after  them 
»  formed  the  J 
sj  j  as  soon  as  tj 
y  had  passed  tJ 
'as  now  cut  oi 
,000  strong,  \\ 
lerogaj  and  evcj 
ntity,  but  bad  \\ 

:d  on  the  nortJ 
It  site  of  the  reJ 
sides  a  few  ro(il 
i  were  standini 
rch,  1867,  Mr) 
urying  place  oj 
:d. 

Brunswick  offiJ 
sh  kil.  Thii 
fi,  by  the  way, 


/ 


/ 


38        Campaign  of  Geueral  John  Burgoyne. 

crossing  the  bridge*  the  9th,  20th,  21st  unci  621!  rcgim 
with  the  artillery,  were  stationed  on  the  plain  nc. 
river,  between  the  barracks''  and  the  Fish  kil,  the  b.i 
on  the  right  bank  being  crossed  by  six  companies  < 
47th.  The  hills  around  Saratoga  were  so  di 
covered  with  woods  and  underbrush  that  it  was  i: 
sible  to  place  the  army  in  position  to  withstand  an  . 
from  the  Americans.     Accordingly  all  ot*  the  ge; 


from  Ticondtirc-ga.     Sergeant  Lamb  was  accordingly  sent  back   al. 
being  thus  less  liable  to  attract  observation)  to  that   post  and  soon  ;■ 
with  a  monch's  provisions.      For  an  account  of  his  trip,  see  Appei>  ' 
XV. 

*  The  Brunswick  Journal,  in  speaking  of  the  passage  of  this  bridi 
**  The  avant-guarde   under   Fraser  was   the  first   to  march  over.      /\ 
o'clock    the   reserve  under   Lieut.  Col.  Breymann  followed  after   tl. 
order   to  cover   Fraser's   left  flank.     The  Germans,  who  formed   li 
wing  of  the  army  went  over  last  of  all  [two  days  afterwards]  ;  as  soon 
last  man  had  crossed   the  bridge  it  was  broken  up.     They  had  pas 
Rubicon^  and    all   further   communicati<jn  with   Canada  was   now    ^ 
The   army  which,  on  first  setting  off  hum  there,  was    10,000  stroi' 
already  diminished  to  6000  [1000  had  bcfcii  left  at  Ticonderoga]  an 
these  were  provided  with  provisions  not  cnly  scant   in  quantity,  but  ' 
quality. 

*  These  barracks  were  used  as  a  hospital  and  were  located  on  the  ■• 
•aide  of  the  road  to  Saratoga  Springs,  directly  upon  the  present  site  of  tii^ 
barns  of  the  Hon.  Alonzo  Welch  of  Schuylerville,  who  resides  a  few 
cast  of  the  barns  in  the  main  village  street.  The  barracks  were  stni 
and  occupied  by  a  fumer  up  to  within  thirty  years.  In  March,  1867, 
Welch,  while  plowing  back  of  his  barns,  came  across  the  burying  pL- 
the  hospital.     The  bones  thus  exhumed,  he  carefully  reburied. 

Schuyler's  house  (so  say  the  manuscript    Journals  of  the  Brunswick 
ccrs)  vas  bettueen  the  old  village  of  Ticonderoga  and  the  Fish   kil. 
fact  is  of  great  importance  in  locating  the  old   village,  which,  by  the 
at  best  consisted  of  only  a  few  scattered  houses. 


urgoyne. 


1  62(1  rcgim 
plain  nc;i. 

kil,  the  h;i 
ompanies  . 
<^'Je    so    cl< 
f   it  was  ij 
^t'ind  an  . 
of  the  gc, 

sent  back  al< 
Sit  and  soon  )■ 
',  see  Appei,.' 

;of  thisbridg, 
rch  over,      A 
»vved  after   ti, 
ho  formed   li, 
irdsjjas  soon 
hey  had  pasM  .   j 
'  was   now   ci; 
10,000  stron, . 
nderogaj  ami  ■ 
uantity,  but  I.., 

ated  on   the  n-  ,1 
5ent  site  of  tlir 
resides  a  few  : 
:ks  were  stni; 
-larch,  1867, 
2  burying  pla(.    ^ 
iried. 

'  Brunswick  oft] 
t^ish  kil.     Thi 
'Jch,  by  the  wi 


.^••^v»«*^:i< 


•*»*n. 


;'!,;!J^.«^Ji^;;o;l?*' 


/^-  cy^'/7-6^. 


i 


i   i 


Campt 


I  ji 
i  I 


fully  inspe 
agreed  up 
|ce,  in  case 
reover,  wa 
its  being  d 
if:^intly  on 
thrown  u 
fter   the 
;n  down 
Ihaick's  isia 
]th  day   of 
ites,  who, 
thousand 
Stillwatei 


il' 


\i  "The  reasc 
land  with  the 
as  as  follows : 
Mohawk,  no 
\\y  terry  on   tl 
^as  Loudon's,  f 
eft  wing  of  th( 
lat  place, 
kcross  the  Hue 
vay  on  the  op 
Lrmy  over  tha 
|ect  to  be  opp( 
juv.h  an  undci 
Icessarily  lay  a 
Ihiwk,  which 
which  that  si 
Schaick's  isla 
that  time." 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.       39 

cSfully  inspected  the  high  ground  nearest  the  camp, 
lao-reed  upon  a  position  to  be  taken  up  at  a  moment's 
n<yice  in  case  of  an  attack.  The  situation  of  the  army, 
mA-eover,  was  rendered  still  more  precarious  by  the  fact 
its  being  divided  by  the  river,  and  thus  obliged  to  be 
is'^mtly  on  its  guard.  New  entrenchments  were  there- 
thrown  up,  especially  on  the  side  toward  Bennington, 
.fter  the  evacuation  of  Fort  Edward,  Schuyler  had 
len  down  the  river,  first  to  Stillwater,  and  then  to  Van 
laick's  island  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mohawk.^  On  the 
ith  day  of  August,  however,  he  was  superseded  by 
ites,  who,  on  the  8th  dav  of  September,  advanced  with 
thousand  men  to  Bemis's  heicjhts,  three  miles  north 
Stillwater.     These   heights  were   at   once   fortified, 


^"The  reason,"  says  Ni  ilson,  "  why  Schuyler  fortified  Van  Schalck's 
land  with  the  expectation  of  opposing  Burgoyne  in  his  march  to  Albany, 
[as  as  follows :  at  tliat  time  there  were  no  bridges  across  either  the  Hudson 
Muhawk,  nor  were  there  ferries  as  plenty  as  they  have  been  since.  The 
jly  ferry  on  the  Mohawk,  between  the  Hudson  river  and  Schenectady, 
hs  Loudon's,  five  miles  above  its  mouth,  where  Arnold  was  posted  with  the 
sft  wing  of  the  American  army,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  a  passage  at 
lat  place.  There  was  another  ferry  near  Halfmoon  point  (Waterford), 
|cross  the  Hudson,  but  that  would  only  have  been  leading  him  out  of  the 
My  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Besides,  the  conveying  so  large  an 
lirmy  over  that  stream  in  a  common  scow-boat,  and  at  the  same  time  sub- 
ject to  be  opposed  by  the  America.ns  who  lay  near  by,  would  have  rendered 
511J1  an  undertaking  impracticable.  Those  being  the  facts,  his  course  ne- 
cessarily lay  across  the  sprouts^  as  they  were  called,  or  mouths  of  the  Mo- 
[hivvk,  which,  except  in  time  of  freshets,  were  fordable,  and  by  four  of 
which  that  stream  enters  the  Hudson  ;  the  second  and  third  forming  Van 
[Schaick's  island,  across  which  the  road  passed,  and  was  the  usual  route  at 
that  time." 


I 


I 


40        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


under  the  direction  of  Kosciusko.     Along  the  browti 
the  river  hills  he  threw  up  a  line  of  breastworks  aboil 
three-fourths  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with    a  strong  batter| 
at  each  end,  and  one    in  the  centre,  in  such  positions  ^1 
to  sweep  the   alluvial  meadows  between  them  and  th| 
river.      A  line  of  entrenchments,  also,  ran  fiom  west  1 1 
east  half  a  mile  in   length,  and   terminated  on   the   eas'^l 
end  on  the  west   side  of  the  intervale.     The  right  win. 
occupied  a  hill    nearest   the  river,  and  was   protected  ir 
front  by  a  wide,  marshy  ravine,  and  behind  this  by  abattis 
From    the  foot  of  this  hill,  across  the  flats   to  the  river. 
an  entrenchment  was  opened,  at  the  extremity  of  which, 
on  the  margin  of  the  river,  another  strong  batterv  was. 
constructed.     The    left    wing    commanded    by  Arnold 
(who  after  the  defeat  of  St.  Leger  at  Fort  Stanwix,  had 
joined  Gates)  extended  onto  a  height  three  quarters  of  ai 
mile  further  north,  its  left  flank   being  also  protected  on 
the  hillside  by  felled  trees,  or  slashings.      Gates's  head- 
quarters  were  in  the  centre,  a  little  south  of  what   was 
then,  and  is  now,  known  as  the  Neilson  farm, 

On  the  15th,  the  (jermans  crossed  the  river,  and  Bur- 
goyne, having  destroyed  the  bridge,  gave  the  order  to 
advance  in  search  of  the  enemy,  supposed  to  be  some^ 
where  in  the  forest;  for,  strange  as  it  appears,  that  gene- 
ral had  no  knowledge  of  the  position  of  the  Americans, 
nor  had  he  taken  any  pains  to  inform  himself  upon  this 
vital  point. ^     The  army  in  gala  dress,  with  its  left  wing 


*  For  an  account  of  Alexander  Bryan,  the  scout  who  gave  Gates  timely 
notice  of  the  passage  of  the  Hudson  by  Burgoyne,  see  Appendix  XL 


oyne. 

the  brow 
tworks  ab(i 
rong   batter 
positions  i 
lem  and  tl] 
i  om  west  t 
^n    the   eav' 
-  right  win, 
>rotected  n 
s  by  abattis, 
o  the  river, 
K  of  which, 
>attery  was 
by   Arnold 
inwix,  had 
arters  of  a 
3tected  on 
es's  head- 
what  wab 

,  and  Bur- 
order  to 
be  some 
bat  gene- 
iiericans, 
jpon  this 
left  Www 


ites  timely 
XI. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        4 1 

[sting  on  the  Hudson,  set  ofF  on  its  march  with  drums 
gating,  colors  flying,  and  their  arms  glistening  in  the 
Mnshine  of  that  lovely  autumn  day.  "  It  was  a  superb 
Aectacle,"  says  an  eye-witness,  "  reminding  one  of  a 
[rand  parade  in  the  midst  of  peace."  That  night  they 
(itched  their  camp  at  Dovogat's  house  (Coveville).^ 
On  the  following  morning,  the  enemy's  drums  were 


I  This  house,  which  is  still  (1877)  standing  in  good  preservation,  on  the 
largin    of  the    Champlain    canal,  about    fifty    rods    from     the    Hudson, 
mk%  situated  about  forty  rods  east  of  the  road  from  Schuylerville  to  Stillwater, 
|n  what  is  called  Van  V'echten's  cove,  at  Coveville. 

In  regard  to  the  origin  of   this  name.   Professor  Asa   Fitch    writes  as 
follows : 

'■''July  4,  1877 — Dear  Sir  —  Having  resided  six  years  in  Stillwater,  eight 
[miles  below,  and  in  Ft,  Miller  over  a  year,  eight  miles  above  Co'vcville,  I 
ihave  cAen  been  to  and  through  the  place,  and  am  quite  familiar  with  the 
names  it  has  had.  Here  is  very  much  the  largest  of  the  coves  or  narrow 
bays  (ancient  beds  of  the  river)  which  occur  along  the  stream  between  Ft. 
Miller  and  Stillwater.  In  summer,  when  the  river  is  low,  this  cove  is  an 
M  immense  mud-hole  or  marsh.  Hence  it  was  first  named  by  the  Dutch, 
the  Great  Flie,  or  simply  the  Vlie.  This  was  its  current  name  during  the 
Old  French  war,  and  the  New  England  troops  passing  have  probably  sup- 
%  posed  the  name  alluded  to  the  swarms  of  musketoes  they  here  encountered, 
for  they  wrote  it  the  F/y,  and  the  Great  Fly. 

The  cove  was  formerly  a  noted  resort  for  flocks  of  wild  ducks,  attracting 
1   hunters  hither  from  all  the  country  around  ;   and  from   this  the  place  re- 
ceived its  next  name,  Do-vccot,  i.e.,  dove  house  or  dove  place.     This  is  the 
I    current  statement  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  vicinity,  and  I  doubt  not 
I    it  is  correct.     This  was  the  prevalent  name  at  the  period  of  the  revolutioii 
■?    and  for  many  years  after.     Some  writers,  unaware  of  the  derivation  and 
meaning  of  the  name  spell  it  differently.     Thus  in    PVilkhnous  Memoirs 
it  is  spelled  Da'vocote.     No  doubt  Baron   Riedesel,  on  inquiring   the  origin 
or  signification  of  this  name,  was  told  it  meant  do-vc^s  bousc^  and   he,  im- 
pcifectly  acquainted  with  our  language,  and  supposing  it  to  be  the  name  of 
a  person,  and  writing  it  as  he  understood  it  to  be  pronounced,  entered  it  in 
his  journal,  Do-vegat^s  bouse.^* 


i 


42        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

heard  calling  the  men  to  arms,  but  although  in  such  close 
proximity,  the  invading  army  knew  not  whence  the 
sounds  came,  nor  in  what  strength  he  was  posted.  In- 
deed, it  does  not  seem  that  ':p  to  this  time,  Burgoyne 
had  sent  ofF  eclaireurs  or  scouting  parties  to  discover  the 
situation  of  the  enemy.  Now,  however,  he  mounted  his 
horse  to  attend  to  it  himself,  taking  with  him,  a  strong 
body  guard,  consisting  of  the  four  regiments  of  Specht 
and  Hesse-Hanau  with  six  heavy  pieces  of  ordnance, 
and  two  hundred  workmen  to  construct  bridges  and  reads. 
This  was  the  party,  with  which  he  proposed,  "to  scout, 
and  if  occasion  served,"  these  were  his  words,  "  to  attack 
the  rebels  on  the  spot."  This  remarkable  scouting  party 
moved  with  such  celerity,  as  to  accomplish  two  and  a 
half  miles  the  first  day,^  when  in  the  evening,  the  entire 
army,  which  had  followed  on,  encamped  at  Sword's 
house,  within  five  miles  of  the  American  lines. ^ 


I  am  inclined,  however,  to  think  that  the  word  is  a  compound  from  the 
Dutch  words  dcof  or  dooi'e,  dull^  and  gat^  hole,  in  other  words  a  kind  of 
Sleepy  hollow.  Riedcsel  probably  gives  the  name  to  the  house  not  from  a 
person   of  that  name   living  in   it,  but   ^rom  the  place,   i.e.,  the   house  at 

Do-vogat. 

^  A  New  Hampshire  regimen*-,  while  endeavoring  to  head  off  Clinton  and 
save  Albany,  marched  forty  mile:;  from  Saratoga  (Schuylerville),  in  fourteen 
hours  and  forded  the  Mohpwk  bek  w  Cohoes  falls.  Belknap's.  New  Hampshire. 
Col.  Otho  Williams  marched  forty  miles  on  the  i8th  of  November,  1781. 
Bancroft,  x,  473.  Tarleton  rode  seventy  miles  in  twenty-four  hours,  de- 
stroying public  stores  on  the  way.  Idem.  And  Cornwallis,  in  marching 
order,  pursued  Greene's  lightened  retreating  troops  at  the  rate  of  thirty  miles 
in  a  day. 

'  The  site  of  Sword's  house  is  on  the  south  side  of  a  spring  brook,  about 
fifty  yards  west  of  the   Hudson   river,  and  a  few  rods  north  of  the  south 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        43 

The  night  of  the  i8th  passed  quietly,  the  scouts  that 
had  finally  been  sent  out,  having  returned  without  dis- 
covering a  trace  of  the  enemy.  Indeed,  it  is  a  note- 
worthy fact  that  throughout  the  entire  campaign,  Bur- 
goyne was  never  able  to  obtain  accurate  knowledge, 
either  of  the  position  of  the  Americans  or  of  their  move- 
ments ;  whereas,  all  his  own  plans  were  publicly  known 
long  before  they  were  officially  given  out  in  orders.  "I 
observe,"  writes  Mrs.  General  Riedesel  at  this  time, 
"  that  the  wives  of  the  officers  are  beforehand  informed 
of  all  the  milicary  plan-.  Thus  the  Americans  anticipate 
all  our  movements,  and  expect  us  whenever  we  arrive  ; 
and  this,  of  course,  injures  our  affairs." 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th,  a  further  advance  was 
again  ordered,  an  advance  which  prudence  dictated  should 
be  made  with  the  greatest  caution.  The  army  was  now 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  an  alert  and  thoroughly 
aroused  enemy,  of  whose  strength  they  knew  as  little  as 
of  the  country.^  Notwithstanding  this,  the  army  not 
only  was  divided  into  three  columns,  each  marching  half 
a  mile  apart,  but  at   1 1  o'clock,  a  cannon,  fiired  as  a 


line  of  the  town  of  Saratoga.  It  may  be  readily  found  from  being  about 
thirty  rods  north  of  a  highway  leading  from  the  Hudson  river  road  westerly, 
which  highway  is  the  first  one  north  of  Wilbur's  basin.  This  highway 
was  nearly  the  same  zt  t.:e  time  of  General  Burgoyne's  visit  in  1777  as 
now.  All  traces  of  the  house  are  now  ( 1877)  obliterated  save  a  few  bricks 
and  a  slight  depression  in  the  soil  where  was  the  cellar. 

'  "  At  this  encampment  (Sword's  liouse)  several  of  our  men  having  pro- 
ceeded into  a  field  of  potatoes,  were  surprised  by  a  party  of  the  enemy  that 
killed  about  thirty  of  them.  They  might  without  ditiiculty  have  been 
surrounded  and  taken  prisoners,  but  the  Americans  could  not  resist  the  op- 
portunity of  shedding  blood." — Lamb's  Memoirs.     Dublin,  i8ii. 


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Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        45 

signal  for  the  start,  echoed  through  the  still  aisles  of  the 
primeval  forest,  informing  the  Americans  of  the  position 
and  forward  movement  of  the  British. 


ROUTE  OF  THE  ENGLISH  TROOPS  TO  FREEMAN'S  FARM. 

1.  Hudson  River.  6.  Freeman's   Farm. 

2.  Left  column  under  Riedesel.  7.   Route  of  Fraser  to  assist  Burgoyne. 

3.  Centre  column  under  Burgoyne.     8.   Road  to  Quaker  Springs. 

4.  Right  column  under  Fraser,  9.  Dovogat. 

5.  Bemis's  Heights.  10.  Sword's  House. 

The  left  column,  which  followed  the  river-road,  con- 
sisted of  four  German  regiments,  and  the  47th  British, 
the  latter  constituting  a  guard  for  the  bateaux.  These 
troops,  together  with  all  the  heavy  artillery  and  baggage, 
were  under  the  command  of  General  Riedesel.  The 
right  column,  made  up  of  the  English  Grenadiers  and 
Light  Infantry,  the  24th  Brunswick  Grenadiers,  and 
the  light  battalion,  with  eight  6  pounders  under  Lieut. 
Col.  Breymann,  was  led  by  General  Fraser,  and  followed 
the  present  road  from  Quaker  springs  to  Stillwater,  on 
the  heights.  The  centre  column,  also  on  the  heights, 
and  mid-way  between  the  left  and  right  wings,  consisted 
of  the  9th,  20th,  2ist  and  62d  regiments,  with  six  6 


l! 


46         Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

pounders,  and   was  led  by   Burgovne   in  person.     Thei 
front  and  flanks  of  the  centre  and  right  columns  were 
protected  by  Canadians,  Provincials,  and  Indians.     The 
march  was  exceedingly  tedious,  as  frequenily  new  bridged 
had  to  be  built,  and  trees  cut  down  and  removeH. 

About  one  o*cloc  <:  in  the  afternoon  Colonel  Morgan, 
who  with   his  sharpshooters  had   been  detached  to  watctil 
the   movements  of  the  British    and   harass  therri,  owiru 
U    rne  dense  woods,  unexpectedly  fell  in  with  the  centre 
co'iunn,  and  sharply  attacked  it.      Whereupon  Fraser, 
on  the  .'ght,  wheeled  his  troops,  and  coming  up  forcecl 
Morgan  to  give   way.      A  regiment  being  ordered  to  the 
assistance  of  the  latter,  whose  numbers  had  been  sadlvj 
scattered   by  the  vigor  of  the  attack,  the  battle  was  re- 
newed  with   spirit.      By    four   o'clock,   the  action    had  I 
become  general,  Arnold,  with  nine  continental  regiments 
and  Morgan's  corps  having  completely  engaged  the  whole 
force  of  Burgoyne  and  Fraser.     The  contest,  accidentally 
begun  in  the  first  instance,  now  assumed  the  most  obsti- 
nate and  determined  character,  the  soldiers  often  being! 
engaged  hand  to  hand.     The  ground  being  mostly  co- 
vered with  woods  embarrassed  the  British  in  the  use  of| 
their  field  artillery,  while  it  gave  a  corresponding  advan- 
tage to  Morgan's  sharpshooters.     The  artillery  fell  into  I 
the  hands  of  the  Americans  at  every  alternate  discharge, 
but  the  latter  could  neither  turn  the  guns  upon  the  enemy, 
nor  bring  them  ofF.     The  wood  prevented  the  last,  and] 
the  want  of  a  match  the  first,  as  the  lint-stock  was  in- 
variably carried  away,  and  the  rapidity  of  the  transitions! 
did  not  allow  the  Americans  time  to  provide  one. 

Meanwhile  General  Riedesel,  who  had  kept  abreast! 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        47 

of  the  other  two  columns  and  had  reached  the  present 
site  of  Wilbur's  basin,  hearing  the  firing,  on  his  own  re- 
sponsibility, and  guided  only  by  the  sound  of  the  cannon, 
hastened  at  five  o'clock  with  two  regiments  through  the 
woods  to  the  relief  of  the  commander-in-chief.      When 
he  arrived  on   the  scene,  the  Americans  were  posted  on 
a  corner  of  the  woods,  having  on  their  right  flank  a  deep 
muddy  ravine,  the  brink  of  which  had  been  rendered  in  - 
jaccessible   by  stones  and  underbrush.      In  front  of  this 
[corner  of  the  forest,  and   entirely  surrounded  bv  dense 
[woods,  was  a  vacant  space,  on  which  <-he  English  were 
'drawn  up  in  line.     The  struggle  was  l.^r    he  possession 
of  this  clearing,  known   then,  as   it    s  to   this  day,  as 
Freeman's  farm.      It   had  already  been   in  possession  of 
both   parties,  and  now  served  as  a  support  for  the  left 
flank  of  the  English  right  wing,   tue  right  flank  being 
[covered  by  the  troops  of  Eraser  and  Breymann.     The 
Continentals  had,  for  the  sixth  time,  hurled  fresh  troops 
jagainst  the  three  British  regiments,  the  20th,  21st  and 
62d.     The  guns  on  this  wiiig  were  already  silenced,  there 
being  no  more  ammunition  ;  and  the  artillerymen  having 
been  either  killed  or  wounded.     These  three  regiments 
ihad  lost  half  their  men,  and   now  formed  a  small   band 
jsurrounded  by  heaps  of  the  dead  and  dying.     The  timely 
arrival  of  the  German   general  alone  saved  the  army  of 
Burgoyne  from   total    rout.      Charging  on   the   double- 
Iquick  with  fixed  bayonets,  he  repelled  the  Americans,  and 
Fraser  and   Breymann  were  preparing  to  follow  up  the 
[advantage,  when  they  were  recalled  by   Burgoyne  and 
reluctantly  forced  to  retreat.    General  Schuyler,  referring 


48         Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


to  this  in  his  diary,  says  :  "  Had  it  not  been  for  this  order 
of  the  British  general,  the  Americans  would  have  been  if 
not  defeated,  at  least  held  in  such  check  as  to  have  made 
it  a  drawn  battle,  and  an  opportunity  afforded  the  British 
to  collect  much  provision  of  which  he  [j/V]  stood  sorely 
in   need."     The   British  officers   also  shared   the   same 
opinion.    Fraser  and  Riedesel  severely  criticised  the  order, 
telling  its  author  in  plain  terms  that  he  did  not  know  how 
to  avail  himself  of  his  advantages."     Nor  was  this  feeling 
confined  to  the  officers  ;  the  privates  gave  vent  to  their 
dissatisfaction  against  their  general  in  loud  expressions  of 
scorn,  as  he  rode  down  the  line.     This  reaction  was  the 
more  striking,  because  they  had  placed  the  utmost  con- 
fidence in  his  capacity  at  the  beginning  of  the  expedition. 
They  were  also  still  more  confirmed  in  their  dislike,  by 
the   general   belief  that   he  was   addicted   to   drinking. 
Neither  does  this  seem  to  have  been  owing  to  an  unwil- 
lingness to  fight  or  a  lack  of  esprit ;  for  when,  subse- 
quently, the  men  were  reduced  to  short  rations,  "  they 
put  up,"  says  Riedesel,  "  with  this,  as  also  with  all  the 
fatiguing  labors,  duties  and  night  watches,  with  the  great- 
est patience  and  perseverance." 

In  connection  with  this  battle,  the  heroism  of  Lieu- 
tenant Hervey,  of  the  bid  regiment,  and  nephew  to  the 
adjutant  general  of  the  same  name,  should  not  be  forgotten. 
Early  in  the  action  he  received  several  wounds,  and  was 
repeatedly  ordered  off  the  field  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Anstruther  ;  but  his  enthusiasm  would  not  allow  him  to 
leave  his  brave  comrades  as  long  as  he  could  stand. 
Presently,  however,  a  ball  striking  one  of  his  legs,  his 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.       49 

removal  became  a  necessity,  and  while  he  was  being 
borne  away,  another  wounded  him  mortally.  In  this 
situation,  the  surgeon  recommended  him  to  take  a  power- 
ful dose  of  opium  if  he  would  avoid  seven  or  eight  hours 
of  dreadful  torture.  To  this  he  consented,  and  when 
his  colonel  entered  the  tent  with  Major  Harnage,  who 
were  both  wounded,  they  asked  whether  he  had  any 
affairs  they  could  settle  for  him  ?  His  reply  was,  that 
being  a  minor,  every  thing  was  already  adjusted  ;  but 
he  had  one  request,  which  he  retained  just  life  enough 
to  utter;  and,  with  the  words,  "Tell  my  uncle  I  died 
like  a  soldier,"  expired. 

Night  put  an  end  to  the  conflict.  The  Americans 
withdrew  within  their  lines,  and  the  British  and  vjerman 
forces  bivouacked  on  the  battle  field,  the  Brunswickers 
composing  in  part  the  right  wing.  Both  parties  claimed 
the  victory,  yet  as  the  intention  of  the  Americans  was 
not  to  advance,  but  to  maintain  their  position,  and  that 
of  the  English,  not  to  maintain  theirs,  but  to  gain  ground, 
it  is  easy  to  see  which  had  the  advantage  of  the  day. 
The  loss  of  the  former  was  between  300  and  400,  in- 
cluding Colonels  Adams  and  Coburn,  and  of  the  latter 
from  600  to  1000  —  Captain  Jones  of  the  artillery,  an 
officer  of  great  merit,  being  among  the  killed.  The 
ground  afforded  on  th:  following  day  a  scene  truly  dis- 
tressing. The  bodies  of  the  slain,  thrown  together  into 
one  receptacle,  were  scarcely  covered  with  the  soil  ; 
and  the  only  tribute  of  respect  to  fallen  officers  was,  to 
bury  them  by  themselves  without  throwing  them  into 
the  common  grave.      In  this  battle   an  unusual    number 


5©        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

of  youthful  officers  fell  on  the  British  side,  as  their  army 
abounded  at  this  time  with  young  men  of  high  respect- 
ability, who  after  several  years  of  peace  anterior  to  the 
Revolution,  were  attracted  to  the  profession  of  anus. 
Three  subalterns  of  the  20th  regiment  on  this  occasion, 
the  oldest  of  whom  did  not  exceed  the  age  of  seventeen 
years,  were  buried  together.^ 

It  was  the  intention  of  General  Burgoyne,  the  morning 
following  this  engagement,  to  attack  the  Americans  on 
their  left  with  his  entire  force.  His  sick  and  wounded 
were  disposed  of  at  the  river  ;  the  army  was  drawn  up 
in  order  of  battle  ;  and  he  waited  only  for  the  dispersion 
of  a  heavy  fog,  when  General  Fraser  observed  to  liim 
that  the  grenadiers  and  light  infantry,  who  were  to  lead 
the  attack,  appeared  fatigued  by  the  duty  of  the  preceding 
day,  and  that  if  he  would  suspend  the  operation  until  the 
next  morning  (the  21st),  he  believed  they  would  enter 
into  the  combat  with  greater  spirit.      Burgoyne  yielded 


^  ''  The  morning  after  the  action,  I  visited  the  wounded  prisoners  who 
had  not  been  dressed,  and  discovered  a  charming  youth  not  more  tiian 
sixteen  years  old  lying  among  them  }  feeble,  faint,  pale  and  stiff  in  his  gore; 
the  delicacy  of  his  aspect  and  the  quality  of  his  clothing  attracted  my 
attention,  and  on  enquiry,  I  found  he  was  an  Ensign  Phillips.  He  told 
me  he  had  fallen  by  a  wound  in  his  leg  or  thigh,  and  as  he  lay  on  tlit 
ground  was  shot  through  the  body  by  an  army  follower,  a  murderous 
villain,  who  owned  the  deed,  but  I  forget  his  name.  The  moans  of  the 
hapless  youth  affected  me  to  tears;  I  raised  him  from  the  straw  on  which 
he  lay,  took  him  in  my  arms  and  removed  him  to  a  tent,  where  every 
comfort  was  provided  and  every  attention  paid  to  him  ;  but  his  wounds  were] 
mortal,  and  he  expired  on  the  2ist.  When  his  name  was  first  mentionei 
to  General  Gates,  he  exclaimed  *just  heaven  !  he  may  be  the  nephew  of  my 
wife,'  but  the  fact  was  otherwise." — fVilkimon, 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        5 1 

to  this  suggestion  ;  the  orders  were  countermaiulcd  and 
the  troops  returned  to  their  quarters.'  Meanwhile,  in 
the  course  of  the  night,  a  spy  reached  the  British  general 
with  a  letter  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  advising  him  of 
his  intended  ascent  of  the  Hudson  for  his  relief.  There- 
upon, he  resolved  to  postpone  the  meditated  attack  and 
await  the  arrival  of  Clinton  at  Albany.^ 


'  "  If  General  Burgoyne,"  says  Wilkinson,  "  had  attacked  us  on  tlie 
20th  or  2ist  of  September,  as  he  intended,  his  force  would  have  enabled  him 
to  lead  a  column  of  5000  rank  and  file  against  our  left,  where  the  ground 
was  most  favorable  to  his  approach  j  whilst  a  point  on  our  right,  by  the 
plain  near  the  liver,  would  have  kept  every  man  at  his  station  within  our 
extended  lines  j  and  under  such  advantages  on  his  side,  it  is  highly  probable 
he  would  have  gained  a  decisive  victory,  and  taken  our  artillery  and  baggage; 
for  although  our  numbers  in  rank  and  file  exceeded  6000,  the  sick,  casual- 
ties, and  contingencies  of  the  service,  would  not  have  left  us  more  than 
5500  men  for  defence  5  and  from  the  formation  of  our  camp,  by  penetrating 
on  the  left  he  would  have  cut  off  our  right.  We  were  badly  fitted  to  de- 
fend works  or  meet  the  close  encounter  ;  the  late  hour  at  which  the  action 
closed  the  day  before,  the  fatigue  of  officers  and  men,  and  the  defects  of 
our  organization  had  prevented  the  left  wing  from  drawing  ammunition, 
and  we  could  not  boast  of  a  bayonet  for  evjry  three  muskets.  Presump- 
tious  as  well  as  blind  must  be  he  who  presumes  to  ascribe  this  critical  com- 
bination of  circumstances  to  mere  accident,  or  the  caprice  of  fortune  !  " 

2  That  Burgoyne  however,  believed  that  he  was  luhif'pcd  by  the  result 
of  the  action  of  the  19th  is  evident  from  this  fact.  In  the  library  of  the 
late  John  Carter  Brown  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  there  is  a  volume  0?  Stedman 
with  marginal  notes  in  the  handwriting  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  who  once 
owned  the  book.  In  that  portion  of  the  work  wl^ere  Stedman  speaks  of 
the  failure  of  Burgoyne,  Clinton  writes  as  follows  :  "  If  General  Burgoyne 
had  not  been  sure  of  a  cooperation,  'tis  pity  he  ever  passed  che  Hudson. 
Sir  H.  Clinton,  thinking  General  Burgoyne  might  want  some  cooperation 
(though  he  had  not  called  for  it  in  any  of  his  letters),  ofi'ered  in  'is  of  the 
12th  of  September,  to  make  an  attempt  on  the  forts  as  soon  as  t      expected 


52        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

Accordingly,  the  day  that  was  to  have  witnessed  a 
renewal  of  the  action  of  the  19th,  Burgoyne  devoted  to 
the  laying  out  of  a  fortified  camp.  He  made  the  site  of 
the  late  battle  his  extreme  right,  and  extended  his  in- 
trenchments  across  the  high  ground  to  the  river.  For 
the  defence  of  the  right  wing,  a  redoubt  (known  as  the 
Great  redoubt),  was  thrown  up  in  the  late  battle-field, 
near  the  corner  of  the  woods  that  had  been  occupied  bv 
the  Americans  during  the  action,  on  the  eastern  edge  of 
the  ravine.^  The  defence  of  this  position  was  intrusted 
to  the  corps  of  Eraser.  The  reserve  corps  of  Breymann 
were  posted  on  an  eminence  on  the  western  side  of  the 
ravin-^  for  the  protection  of  the  right  flank  of  Eraser's 
division. ="  The  right  wing  of  the  English  (Hamil- 
ton's) was  placed  in  close  proximity  to  the  left  wing  of 


reinforcements  should  arrive  from  Europe.  General  Burgoyne  fought  the 
battle  of  Saratoga  on  the  19th.  and  on  the  21st  tells  General  Clinton  'n 
answer,  that  no  attempt^  or  even  the  menace  ^f  an  attempt^  ivould  be  of  use.'" 
This  discovery  was  made  by  a  writer  (J.  C.  S  )  of  Providence,  who  sent 
the  account  to  the  N.   T.    Tribune^  in  Aug.,  1875. 

*  This  redoubt  —  destined  to  be  the  scene  of  the  hottest  part  of  the  en- 
gagement of  the  7th  of  October,  was  three  rods  south  of  the  present  barn- 
yard of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Lctrgett,  whose  house  —  as  mentioned  in  a  preceding 
note  —  stands  on  the  old  clearmg  of  Freeman,  the  site  of  tr.e  tirst  action  of" 
the  19th  of  September.  Balls  and  skeletons  are  still,  even  at  this  late  day, 
picked  up  on  this  spot.  I  my.-elf,  once,  while  following  the  plow  ot  a 
farmer,  picked   up  four  grape  shot  on  the  site  of  this  redoubt. 

^  The  traces  of  Breymann's  entrenchments  are  yet  to  be  seen  very  plainly. 
They  lie  about  twenty  rods  northwest  of  Mr.  Leggett's  house.  The  place 
is  considerably  elevated  by  nature,  and  is  Vnown  among  the  farmers  in  the 
vicinity  as  Burgo\ne''s  hill.  Properly,  it  shi^uld  be  Breymann  s  bill.  It  was 
at  the  northeast  corner  of  thi;,  eniinencc  that  Arnold  was  wounded  in  the 
action  of  the  7th  of   October. 


Ca) 

Fraser,  thus 
bank  where! 
The  entire! 
running  nin| 
the  left  wii 
right  wing 
Fraser 's  coi 
General 
English   anJ 


wing. 


Tl 


During  t 
a  part  of  th( 
officers,  wai 
his  morning 
noises  in  hi 
the  least,  w 
less  how  sti 
the  journal, 

I  The  Taylo 
head-quarters  c 
plicit  in  stating 
troops  of  Riede 
over,  receives 
of  my  visits  tc 
land  we  were  I 
nal  ar  Burgoy 
plains  what  I 
first  plowed  u] 
titles  of  old  g 
puziled  to  Ln 


Tif 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        53 


lessed  a 
voted  to 
e  site  of 
I  his  in- 
r.  For 
1  as  the 
:le-field, 
ipied  bv 
edge  of 
itiusted 
eymann 
e  of  the 
Fraser's 
Hamil- 
mng  of 

uught  the 

Clinton  'n 

e  of  use.'" 

who  sent 

the  cn- 
nt  barn- 
ireceding 
action  of 

ate  day, 
ow    of  a 

r  plainly, 
he  place 
rs  in  the 
It  was 
d  in  the 


Fraser,  thus  extending  the  line  on  the  left  to  the  river 
bank  where  were  placed  the  hospital  and  supplv  trains. 
The  entire  front  was  protected  by  a  deep  muddy  ditch, 
running  nine  hundred  paces  in  front  of  the  outposts  of 
the  left  wing.  This  ditch  ran  in  a  curve  around  the 
right  wing  of  the  English  brigade,  thereby  separating 
Fraser's  corps  from  the  main  body. 

General  Burgoyne  made  his  head-quarters  between  the 
English  and  German  troops  on  the  heights  at  the  left 
wing.'     This  was  the  new  camp  at  Freeman's  farm. 

V. 

During  the  period  of  inaction  which  now  intervened, 
a  part  of  the  army,  says  the  private  journal  of  one  of  the 
officers,  was  so  near  the  Americans  that  "  we  could  hear 
his  morning  and  evening  guns,  his  drums,  and  other 
noises  in  his  camp  very  distinctly,  but  we  knew  not  in 
the  least,  where  he  stood,  nor  how  he  was  posted,  much 
less  how  strong  he  was."  "  Undoubtedly,"  naively  ^idds 
the  journal,  "a  rare  case  in  such  a  situation." 


^  The  Taylor  house  (Smith's  house),  has  often  been  nnistaken  for  the 
head-quarters  of  Burgoyne.  The  Brunswick  Journal,  however,  is  very  ex- 
plicit in  stating  that  "  Burgoyne  camped  between  the  English  and  German 
troops  of  Riedesel  on  the  heights  at  the  left  wing."  This  statement,  more- 
over, receives  additional  confirmation  in  the  following  incident.  On  one 
of  my  visits  to  the  battle-ground,  I  pointed  out  to  Mr.  Wilbur  (on  whose 
land  we  were  then  standing),  the  place  designated  by  the  Brunswick  Jour- 
nal ar  Burgoyne's  head-quarters.  "That,"  exclaimed  Mr.  Wilbur,  ''ex- 
plains what  I  have  often  wondered  at."  He  then  stated  that  when  he 
first  plowed  up  that  particular  spot,  he  was  accustomed  to  find  great  quan- 
tities of  old  gin  and  wine  bottles,  and  that  until  now,  he  had  often  been 
puzzled  to  Lnow  "how  on  earth  those  bottles  came  there." — See  Map. 


54         Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


C 


Meanwhile  the  work  of  fortifying  the  camp  was  con- 
tinued.     J  place  d\irmes  was  laid  out  in  front  of  the  re- 
giments, and  fortified  with  heavy  batteries.     During  the 
night  of  the  21st  considerable  shouting  was  heard  in  the 
American   camp.      This,   accompanied    by  the  firing  of 
cannon,  led    the  army  to  believe  that    some  holiday  was 
being  celebrated.      Again,  in  the  night  of  the  23d,  more 
noise  was  heard   in  the  same   direction.     "  This  time, 
however,"  says  the  journal  of  another  officer,"  it   may 
have  proceeded  from  working  par»:ies,  as  the  most  com- 
mon noise  was  the  rattling  of  chains.      From  the  fact  also 
that  voices  were  heard,  it  is  evident  that  the  enemy  must 
have  been  very  near  the  other  side  of  the  ditch.     Lamb, 
also  bears  testimony  to  the  close  proximity  of  the  Ame- 
ricans.    •"'  We  could,"  says  that  writer,  "  distinctly  hear 
the  Americans  felling  and  cutting  trees  ;  and  they  had  a 
piece  of  ordnance  which  they  used  to  fire  as  a  morning 
gun,  so  near  us  that  the  wadding  from  it  struck  against 
our  works."     On  the  28th  a  captured  cornet,  who  had 
been  allowed  by  Gates  to  return  to  the  British  c.imp  for 
five  days,  gave  an  explanation  of  the  shouting  heard  on 
the  night  of  the  2isr.    This  was,  that  General  Lincoln, 
with  a  strong  body  of  militia  from  New  Hampshire  and 
Connecticut,  had  attempted  to  surprise  Ticonderoga,  and 
though  unsuccessful  had  captured  four  companies  of  the 
53d,  together  with  an  armed  brig  and  one  bateau.     Thus 
Burgoyne  was  indebted  to  an  enemy  in  his  front  for  in- 
formation respecting  his  own  posts  in  his  rear. 

But  the  action  of  the  19th  had  essentially  diminished  his 
strength,  and   his  situation  began  to  grow  critical.      His 


dispatches 
Canada  cl 
Lake  Gee 
jested,  the 
and  the  en 
the  strong 
cut  ofF  fr 
close  prox 
but  little  r 
by  the  hovi 
by  the  par 
of  the  nin( 
lish  soldier 
distance  ir 
were  surpr 
the  woods 
their  comr 
There  \ 
days ;  and 
large  numt 
Burgoyne 
to  a  pound 
had   heard 

«  The  first 
have  been  th( 
the  dogs  to  be 
much  greater  j 
out  to  reconnc 
that  came  aftc 
setting  up  a  cr 
noise  was  hide 


/as  con- 
the  re- 
ring  the 
d  in  the 
Iring  of 
day  was 
d,  more 
is  time, 
it   may 
St  com- 
"act  also 
ly  must 
Lamb, 
2  Ame- 
tly  hear 
V  had  a 
lorning 
against 
ho  had 
mp  for 
ard  on 
ncohi, 
re  and 
^a,  and 
of  the 
Thus 
or   i:i- 

icd  his 
His 


^ 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        55 

dispatches  were  intercepted,  and  his  communications  with 
Canada  cut  off  by  the  seizure  of  the  posts  at  the  head  of 
Lake  George.  The  pickets  were  more  and  more  mo- 
lested, the  army  was  weakened  by  the  sick  and  wounded, 
and  the  enemy  swarmed  on  its  rear  and  flanks,  threatening 
the  strongest  positions.  In  fact  the  army  was  as  good  as 
cut  off  from  its  outposts,  while  in  consequence  of  its 
close  proximity  to  the  American  camp,  the  soldiers  had 
but  little  rest.  The  nights,  also,  were  rendered  hideous 
by  the  howls  of  large  packs  of  wolves  that  were  attracted 
by  the  partially  buried  bodies  of  those  slain  in  the  action 
of  the  nineteenth.^  On  the  ist  of  October  a  few  Eng- 
lish soldiers  who  were  digging  potatoes  in  a  field  a  short 
distance  in  the  rear  of  head-quarters  within  the  camp, 
were  surprised  by  the  enemy  who  suddenly  rushed  from 
the  woods  and  carried  off  the  men  in  the  very  faces  of 
their  comrades. 

There  were  now  only  sufficient  rations  for  sixteen 
days  ;  and  foraging  parties,  necessarily  composed  of  a 
large  number  of  men,  were  sent  out  daily.  At  length 
Burgoyne  was  obliged  to  cut  down  the  ordinary  rations 
to  a  pound  of  bread  and  a  pound  of  meat  ;  and  as  he 
had  heard   nothing   from   Clinton  he   became   seriously 


'  The  first  two  nights  this  noise  was  heard,  General  Eraser  chought  it  to 
have  been  the  dogs  belonging  to  the  officers,  and  an  order  was  given  for 
the  dogs  to  be  confined  within  the  tents.  The  next  night  the  noise  was 
much  greater;  when  a  detachment  of  Canadians  and  Provincials  were  sent 
out  to  reconnoitre,  anc'  it  proved  to  have  arisen  from  la  ^e  droves  of  wolves 
that  came  after  the  de.  d  ;  they,  were  similar  to  a  pack  of  hounds ;  for  one 
setting  up  a  cry,  they  all  joined,  and  when  they  approached  a  corpse,  their 
noise  was  hideous  till  they  had  scratched  it  up." — Anburey. 


56        Campaign  of  General  John  Bu^goynt 


LiUf 


il 


aiarme( 


A 


ccor( 


;iy. 


Oil 


-V 


re   'jv'Ciiir! 


o 


f  t 


iiC 


Sth  of 


Octob-^**,  he  called  a  council  of  vv.  r.  Riedesel  and  Faser 
advised  an  immejiate  failing  back  t^  their  old  position, 
beyond  the  Batten  kil,  Phillips  declined  giving  an  opinion, 
and  Burgoyne  reserved  his  decision  until  he  had  made  a 
reconnaissance  in  force  "  to  gather  forage,  and  ascertain 
definitely  the  position  of  the  enemj',  and  whether  it 
would  be  advisable  to  attack  him."  Should  the  latter 
be  the  case,  he  would,  on  the  day  following  the  recon- 
naissance, advance  on  the  Americans  with  his  entire 
army  ;  but  if  not,  he  would  march  back  to  the  Batten  kil. 

VI. 

At  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  cf  October  7th,  liquor 
and  rations  havii  g  been  previously  issued  to  the  army, 
Burgoyne,  with  fifteen  hundred  men,  eight  cannons  and 
two  howitzers,  started  on  his  reconnaissance,  accompanied 
by  Generals  Riedesel,  Phillips  aiid  Fraser.  The  Cana- 
dians, Indians,  and  three  hundred  of  Breymann's 
Brunswickers,  were  sent  ahead  under  Captain  Fraser 
(not  the  general)  to  make  a  diversion  in  the  rear  of  the 
Continentals.  They  succeeded  in  reaching  a  point  a 
little  in  the  rear  of  a  log  barn  which  formed  the  extreme 
left  of  the  American  breastworks  ;  but  they  were  speedily 
discovered,  and  after  a  brisk  skirmish  of  half  an  hour, 
were  driven  back,  hotly  pursued  by  the  Americans,  to 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  British  line  of  battle  which 
was  then  formins.' 


'  A  great  many  balls  hive  since  been   picked  up  on  both  sides  of  where 
this  bisaj  .A'ork  stood,  some  of  them  flattened  and  others  misshaped,  showing 


The  Bri 

left   w\nr 
field  two  hi 
of  the   igt 
wheat  for  fo 
and  the  arti 
on  a  g.?ntle 
a  low  ridge 
placed  in  th 
of  British  ai 
In  advance 
mand  of  a  d 
movement  h 
advanced   g' 
Wilkinson, 
quarters  at  t 
cause  of  the 
of  the  enem 
that  they  w( 
the  America 

that  they  had  co 
Neilson,  "  is  o 
assertion,  *  that 
buck  shot,  by  v\ 
'lequently  found 
rired,  and  not  or 

'  This  eminer 
east  of  the  road 
southeast  of  the 
was  shot  midwa] 
;iL'c  now  marks 
tree  that  stood  a 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


5' 


.c  jth  of 
and  Faser 
i  position, 
II  opinion, 
id  made  a 
ascertain 
/hether  it 
the  latter 
he  recon- 
his  entire 
fatten  kil. 


th,  liquor 

the  army, 

mons  and 

ompanied 

he  Cana- 

eymann's 

n  Fraser 

ar  of  the 

point  a 

extreme 

speedily 

an  hour, 

leans,  to 

le  which 


;s  of  where 
ed,  showing 


The  British  advanced  in  thr^^e  columns  toward  t'  e 
left  winj^  of  the  American  position,  entered  a  wheat 
field  two  hundred  rods  southwest  of  the  site  of  the  action 
of  the  iQth,  deployed  into  line,  and  began  cutting  up 
wheat  for  forage.  The  grenadiers  under  Major  Ackland, 
and  the  artillery  under  Major  Williams,  were  stationed 
on  a  g>?ntle  eminence.^  The  light  infantry,  skirted  by 
a  low  ridge  of  land  and  under  the  Earl  of  Balcarras,  were 
placed  in  the  extreme  right.  The  centre  was  composed 
of  British  and  German  troops  under  Phillips  and  Riedesel. 
In  advance  of  the  right  wing.  General  Fraser  had  com- 
mand of  a  detachment  ot  five  hundred  picked  men.  The 
movement  having  been  seasonably  discovered,  the  centre 
advanced  guard  of  the  Americans  beat  to  arms.  Col. 
Wilkinson,  Gates's  adjutant  general,  being  at  head- 
quarters at  the  moment,  was  dispatched  to  ascertain  the 
cause  of  the  alarm.  He  proceeded  to  within  sixty  rods 
of  the  enemy,  and  returning,  informed  General  Gates 
that  they  were  foraging^  attempting  also  to  reconi  oitie 
the  American  left,  and  likewise  in  his  opinion,  f  f^tring 


that  they  had  come  in  contact  with  opposing  obstacles.  "  And  here,"  says 
Neiison,  '*  is  one  circumstance  strongly  confinning  the  often  repealed 
assertion,  *  that  the  Americans,  in  additio.i  to  one  musket  ball,  added  two 
buck  shot,  by  which  they  did  so  much  execution,'  viz  ;  the  buck  shot  are 
frequently  found  on  the  side  of  the  breastwork  toward  which  the  Americans 
tired,  and  not  on  the  other." 

'  This  eminence  is  now  (1877),  covered  by  an  orchard,  about  two  rods 
east  of  the  road  leading  from  (l^uaker  springs  to  Stillwater,  and  twenty  rods 
southeast  of  the  house  now  (1877)  occupied  by  Joseph  Rogers.  Fraser 
was  shot  midway  between  the  orchard  and  Rogers's  house.  A  bass-wood 
ree  now  marks  the  spot.  This  tree  is  a  shor  •  out  of  the  stump  of  the 
tree  that  stood  at  the  time  when  Fraser  fell. 


58         Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

battle.  Ill  this  view,  Generals  Lincoln  and  Arnold, 
who  had  also  reconnoitred  the  British  lines,  coincided. 
"  What  is  the  nature  of  the  ground,  and  what  is  your 
opinion  ?"  asked  Gates.  "  Their  front  is  open,"  Wilkin- 
son  replied,  "  and  their  flank  rests  on  woods,  under  cover 
of  which  they  may  be  attacked  ;  their  right  is  skirted  by 
a  height  ;  I  would  indulge  them."  "Well  then,"  ^re- 
joined Gates,  "order  on  Morgan  to  begin  the  game." 
At  his  own  suggestion,  however,  Morgan  was  allowed 
to  gain  the  ridge  on  the  enemy's  right  by  a  circuitous 
course,  while  Poor's  and  Learned's  brigades  should  attack 
his  left. 

The  movement  was  admirably  executed.  At  half 
past  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  New  York  and 
New  Hampshire  troops  marched  steadily  up  the  slope  ot 
tiie  knoll  on  which  the  British  grenadiers  and  the 
artillery  under  Ackland  and  Williams  were  stationed. 
Poor  had  given  them  orders  not  to  fire  until  after  the 
first  discharge  of  the  enemy  \  and  for  a  moment  there 
was  an  awful  stillness,  each  party  seeming  to  bid  defiance 
to  the  other.  At  length  the  artillerymen  and  grenadiers 
began  the  action  by  a  shower  of  grape  and  musket  balls, 
which  had  no  other  effect  than  to  break  the  branches  of 
the  trees  over  the  heads  of  the  Americans,  who,  having 
thus  received  the  signal,  rushed  forward  firing  and  opening 
i;o  the  right  and  left.  Then  again  forming  on  the  flanks 
of  the  grenadiers  they  mowed  them  down  at  every  shot, 
until  the  top  of  the  hill  was  gained.  Here  a  bloody  and 
hand  to  hand  struggle  ensued  which  lasted  about  thirty 
minutes,  when  Ackland  being  badly  hurt,  the  gren?diers 


Ca 

gave  way, 
dead  and  w 
piece  that  I 
fell  into  th( 
Cilley  of  1 
cannon,  w 
American  ( 
hred  it  on 
behind.^ 

Soon  aftv-: 
a  flanking 
through  tin 
dered  to  in 
a  brush  fen( 
hurriedly  th 
in  comman 
and  charge  1 
order,  replie 
and  we'll  tr 
and  firing  a 
them  to  flee 
the  field. 

*  "  The  groui 
sented  a  scene  o 
of  twelve  or  fift 
and  three  officei 
mortally  wound 
irreat  worth,  v 
besmeared  hand 
dipt  my  hands 
brutality,  and,  w 
Wilkinson. 


le. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        59 


1  Arnold, 
coincided, 
lat  is  your 
"  Wilkin- 
ider  cover 
skirted  by 
lien,"^rc- 
le  game." 
LS  allowed 
circuitous 
uld  attack 

At  half 
York  and 
e  slope  of 

and  the 
stationed. 

after  the 
ent  there 
J  defiance 
grenadiers 
ket  balls, 
inches  of 
o,  having 
d  opening 

he  flanks 

ery  shot, 
oody  and 

ut  thirty 

ren?diers 


trave  way,  leaving  the  ground  thickly  strewn  with  their 
dead  and  wounded.  In  this  dreadful  conflict  one  field- 
piece  that  had  been  taken  and  retaken  five  times,  finally 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Americanj  ;  whe-eupon  Col. 
Cilley  of  New  Hampshire  leaped  upon  the  captured 
cannon,  waved  his  sword,  and  dedicated  it  "  to  the 
American  cause,"  jumped  down  and  turning  it>  muzzle, 
fired  it  on  the  British  with  the  ammunition  they  had  left 
behind.^ 

Soon  after  Poor  began  the  attack  on  the  grenadiers, 
a  flanking  party  of  British  wasi  discerned  advancing 
through  the  woods,  upon  which  Col.  Cilley  was  or- 
dered to  intercept  them.  As  he  approached  near  to 
a  brush  fence,  the  enemy  rose  behind  and  fired,  but  so 
hurriedly  that  only  a  few  balls  took  effect.  The  officer 
in  command  then  ordered  his  men  to  '•"  fix  bayonets 
and  charge  the  damned  rebels."  Cilley  who  heard  this 
order,  replied,  "  it  takes  two  to  play  that  game,  charge 
and  we'll  try  it."  His  regiment  charged  at  the  word, 
and  firing  a  volley  in  the  faces  of  the  British,  caused 
them  to  flee,  leaving  many  of  their  number  dead,  upon 
the  field. 


'  "  The  ground  which  had  been  occupied  by  the  British  grenadiers  pre- 
sented a  scene  of  complicated  horror  and  exultation.  In  the  square  space 
of  twelve  or  fifteen  yards  lay  eigiiteen  grenadiers  in  the  agonies  of  death  ; 
and  three  officers  were  propped  up  against  stumps  of  trees,  two  of  them 
mortally  wounded,  bleeding,  and  almost  speechless.  A  surgeon,  a  man  of 
srreat  worth,  who  was  dressing  one  of  the  >  fficers,  raising  his  blood- 
besmeared  hands  in  a  frenzy  of  patriotism,  excl..imed,  '  Wilkinson,  I  have 
dipt  my  hands  in  British  blood  '  '  He  received  a  sharp  rebuke  for  his 
brutality,  and,  with  the  troops,  I  pursued  the  hard  pressed  flying  enemy." — 
Wilkinson. 


6o      .  Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

While  pursuing  the  flying  grenac?'ers,  Wilkinson  heard 
a  feeble  voice  exclaim,  "  Protect  me,  sir,  against  that 
boy."  Turning  his  eyes  he  saw  a  lad  taking  deliberate 
aim  at  a  wounded  British  officer,  whom  heat  once  knew 
to  be  Major  Ackland.  Wilkinson  dismounted,  and 
taking  him  by  the  hand  expressed  the  hope  that  he  was 
not  badly  wounded.  "Not  badly,"  replied  the  gallant 
officer,  "  but  very  inconveniently,  as  I  am  shot  through 
both  legs.  Will  you,  sir,  have  the  goodness  to  have  me 
conveyed  to  your  camp?"  Wilkinson  at  once  directed 
his  servant  to  alight,  and  lifting  the  wounded  man  into 
the  vacant  seat,  had  him  conveyed  to  head-quarters.^ 

As  soon  as  the  action  began  on  the  British  left,  Mor- 
gan, true  to  his  purpose,  poured  down  like  a  torrent  from 
the  ridge  that  skirted  the  flanking  party  of  Fraser,  and 
attacked  them  so  vigorously  as  to  force  them  back  to 
their  lines;  then  by  a  rapid  movement  to  the  left,  he 
fell  upon  the  flank  of  the  British  right  with  such  impe- 
tuosity thj.t  I  ley  wavered,  and  seemed  on  the  point  of 
giving  way.  At  this  critical  moment  Major  Dear- 
born arrived  on  the  field  with  two  regiments  of  New 


^  Lamb  gives  a  different  account  of  this.  Both  statements,  however, 
may  be  substantially  correct.  He  says  :  "  Major  Ackland  when  wounded, 
observed  the  British  troops  were  retreating.  He  requested  Capt.  Simpson 
of  the  31st  regiment,  who  was  an  intimate  friend,  to  help  him  into  camp. 
Upon  which,  being  a  stout  man,  he  conveyed  the  major  on  his  back  a  con- 
siderable way  ;  when  the  enemy  pursuing  so  rapidly,  he  was  obliged  to 
leave  him  behind  to  save  himself.  As  the  major  lay  on  the  ground,  he 
cried  out  to  the  men  who  were  running  by  him,  that  he  would  give  fifty 
guineas  to  any  soldier  who  would  convey  him  into  camp.  A  stout  grena- 
dier instantly  took  him  on  his  back,  and  w.is  hastening  into  camp,  when 
they  were  overtaken  and  both  made  prisoners." 


d 

England  t| 
front  that 
were,  ho\ 
fence  in  re 
action, 
upon  the 
three  hund| 
exposed  b^ 
two  regimi 
curve,  and 
flank  whic 
himself  Ion 
would  hav 
been  separ 
latter,  throi 
taking  up  ar 
Specht's  ri^ 
The  brunt  c 
alone  had  t( 
cans. 

Brigadier 
been  station 
of  the  cent 
regiment, 
horse,  he  w 
part  of  the  1 
by  his  exai 
rested  upon 
men,  was  ir 
few  of  his 


e, 

son  heard 
ainst  that 
deliberate 
nee  knew 
ited,  and 
It  he  was 
le  gallant 
t  throuo-h 

o 

>  have  me 

t  directed 
man  into 
irters.^ 
eft,  Mor- 
rent  from 
raser,  and 
rn  back  to 

left,  he 
ch  impe- 

point  of 
or    Dear- 

of  New 

ts,  however, 
en  wounded, 
3t.  Simpson 
into  camp. 
back  a  con- 
obliged  to 
ground,  he 
lid  give  fifty 
stout  grcna- 
:amp,  when 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        6i 

England  troops,  and  delivered  so  galling  a  fire  into  their 
front  that  they  broke  and  fled  in  wild  confusion.  They 
were,  however,  quickly  rallied  by  Balcarras  behind  a 
fence  in  rear  of  their  first  position,  and  led  again  into 
action.  The  Continentals  next  threw  their  entire  force 
upon  the  centre  commanded  by  Lt.  Col.  Specht  with 
three  hundred  men.  Specht,  whose  left  flank  had  been 
exposed  by  the  retreating  of  the  grenadiers,  ordered  the 
two  regiments  of  Rhetz  and  Hesse- Hanau  to  form  a 
curve,  and  supported  by  the  artillery  thus  covered  his 
flank  which  was  in  imminent  danger.  He  maintained 
himself  long  and  bravely  in  this  precarious  situation,  and 
would  have  stood  his  ground  still  longer,  had  he  not 
been  separated  from  Balcarras,  in  consequence  of  the 
latter,  through  a  misunderstanding  of  Burgoyne's  orders, 
taking  up  another  position  with  his  light  infantry.  Thus 
Specht's  right  flank  was  as  much  exposed  as  his  left. 
The  brunt  of  the  action  now  fell  upon  the  Germans,  who 
alone  had  to  sustain  the  impetuous  onset  of  the  Ameri- 
cans. 

Brigadier-General  Fraser,  who,  up  to  this  time,  had 
been  stationed  on  the  right,  noticed  the  critical  situation 
of  the  centre,  and  hurried  to  its  succor  with  the  24th 
regiment.  Consj:icuously  mounted  on  an  iron  grey 
horse,  he  was  all  activity  and  vigilance,  riding  from  one 
part  of  the  division  to  another,  and  animating  the  troops 
by  his  example.  Perceiving  that  the  fate  of  the  day 
rested  upon  that  officer,  Morgan,  who,  with  his  rifle- 
men, was  immediately  opposed  to  Eraser's  corps,  took  a 
kvf  of  his  sharpshooters   aside,  among  whom  was   the 


62        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

celebrated  marksman  Tim.  Murphy,  men  on  whose 
precision  of  aim  he  could  rely,  and  said  to  them,  "  That 
gallant  officer  yonder  is  General  Fraser  ;  I  admire  and 
respect  him,  but  it  is  necessary  for  our  good  that  he 
should  die.  Take  your  station  in  that  cluster  oi'  bushes 
and  do  your  duty." 

Within  a  ^qw  moments,  a  rifle  ball  cut  the  crouper  of 
Eraser's  horse,  and  anothe.  passed  through  his  horse's 
mane.  Calling  his  attention  to  this.  Phraser's  aid  said  : 
"  It  is  evident  that  you  are  marked  out  for  particular  aim  ; 
would  it  not  be  prudent  for  you  to  retire  from  this  place  ?" 
Fraser  replied,  "  my  duty  forbids  me  to  fly  from  danger." 
The  next  moment  he  fell  mortally  wounded  by  a  ball 
from  the  rifle  of  Murphy,  and  was  carried  off^  the  field 
by  two  grenadiers.^ 

Upon  the  fall  of  Fraser,  dismay  seized  the  British, 
while  a  corresponding  elation  took  possession  of  the 
Americans,  who,  being  reinforced  at  this  juncture  by 
General  Ten  Broeck  with  three  thousand  New  York 
militia,  pressed  forward  with  still  greater  vehemence. 
Up  to  this  time  Burgoyne  had  been  in  the  thickest  of 
the  fight,  and  now  finding  himself  in  danger  of  being 
surrounded,  he  abandoned  his  artillery,  and  ordered  a  re- 
treat to  the  Great  redoubt.  The  retreat  took  place  ex- 
actly fifty-two  minutes  after  the  first  shot  was  fired,  the 


^  The  distance  between  Fraser  and  Murphy,  when  the  latter  fired,  is 
about  one-quarter  of  a  mile.  In  those  days  this  was  considered  a  great 
shot.  General  Mattoon,  however,  denie  that  Fraser  was  shot  by  Morgan's 
men,  and  claims  the  credit  for  another.  In  this  connection  consult  Mat- 
toon's  letter  in  Appendix  No.  XIII.  Mattoon  was  a  lieutenant  in  the 
battle. 


,  Cc 

enemy  lea 
two  howi 
men  and 
Fraser,  A 
quarter  m 
others. 

The   re 
their  lines 
fused  a  co 
of  the  Co 
and  muskc 
Mounted 
at  a  full  gi 
rection,  sc 
commande 
exposing  h 
behaved," 
in  a  letter 
like  a   mad 
if  it  were  n 
part   of  Pa 
with  the  fe 


countering 


'  Gierke  wap 
an  order  which 
changed  the  f 
others  spell  th 
fact  that  the  E 

»  For  this  let 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        63 


I  whose 
"  That 

niie  and 
that    he 

F  bushes 

ouper  of 
horse's 
lid  said  : 
liar  aim  ; 
place  ?" 
danger." 
by  a  ball 
the  field 

British, 
1   of  the 
cture  bv 
;w  York 
emence. 
ickest  of 
3f  being 
ed  a  re- 
lace  ex- 
red,  the 

ter  fired,  is 
red  a  great 
y  Morgan's 
nsult  Mat- 
ant   in   the 


enemy  leaving  all  the  cannon  on  the  field,  except  the 
two  howitzers,  with  a  loss  of  more  than  four  hundred 
men  and  among  them  the  flower  of  his  officers,  viz  : 
Fraser,  Ackland,  Williams,  Captain  Money,  deputy 
quarter  master  general,  Sir  Francis  Gierke,^  and  many 
others. 

The  retreating  British  troops  had  scarcely  entered 
their  lines  when  Arnold,  notwithstanding  he  had  been  re- 
fused a  command  by  Gates,  placed  himself  at  the  head 
of  the  Continentals,  and  under  a  terrific  fire  of  grape 
and  musket  balls  assaulted  their  works  from  right  to  left. 
Mounted  on  a  dark  brown  horse  he  moved  incessantly 
at  a  full  gallop  over  the  field,  giving  orders  in  every  di- 
rection, sometimes  in  direct  opposition  to  those  of  the 
commander,  at  others  leading  a  platoon  in  person,  and 
exposing  himself  to  the  hottest  fire  of  the  enemy.  "  He 
behaved,"  says  Samuel  Woodruff,  a  sergeant  in  the  battle, 
in  a  letter  to  the  late  Col.  William  L.  Stone,''  ''  more 
like  a  madman  than  a  cool  and  discreet  officer."  But 
if  it  were  madness,  there  was  "  method  in  it."  With  a 
part  of  Patterson's  and  Glover's  brigades  he  attacked? 
with  the  ferocity  of  a  tiger,  the  Great  redoubt,  and  en- 
countering the  light  infantry  of  Balcarras,   drove  them 


'  Gierke  was  wounded  while  in  the  act  of  riding  on  to  give  an  order  — 
an  order  which  Burgoyne  (see  State  of  the  Expedition)  claimed  would  have 
changed  the  fortunes  of  the  day  had  it  been  delivered.  Wilkinson  and 
others  spell  the  name  Clark  —  a  riiistake  whith  probably  arose  from  the 
fact  that  the  English  pronounce  the  name  Gierke  as  if  written  Clark. 

'  For  this  letter  see  Appendix  No.  V. 


> 


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« 


37 


<i' 


<^A  WrS 


'^^^' 


33  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

WitSTH.N.Y.  UStO 

(716)  •72-4S03 


'^ 


64        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

at  the  point  of  the  bayonet  from  a  strong  abattis  within 
the  redoubt  itself.^  Then,  spurring  boldly  on,  exposed 
to  the  cross  fire  of  the  two  armies,  he  darted  to  the  ex- 
treme right  of  the  British  camp. 

This  right  flank  defence  of  the  enemy  was  occupied 
by  the  Brunswick  troops,^  under  Breymann,  and  con- 
sisted of  a  breast  work  of  rails  piled  horizontally  between 
perpendicular  pickets,  and  extended  two  hundred  yards 
across  an  open  field  to  some  high  ground  on  the  right, 3 
where  it  was  covered  by  a  battery  of  two  guns.  The 
interval  from  the  left  of  this  defence  to  the  Great 
redoubt  was  intrusted  to  the  care  of  the  Canadian 
Provincials.  In  front  of  the  east  breastwork,  the  ground 
declined  in  a  gentle  slope  for  one  hundred  and  twenty 
yards  when  it  sunk  abruptly.  The  Americans  had 
formed  a  line  under  this  declivity,  and  covered  breast 
high  were  warmly  engaged  with  the  Germans,  when 
about  sunset  Learned  came  up  with  his  brigade  in  open 
column,  with  Col.  Jackson's  Massachusetts  regiment, 
then  in  command  of  Lieut.  Gov.  Brooks,  in  front.  On 
his  approach,  he  inquired  where  he  could  "  tut  in  with 
most  advantage."     A    slack  fire   was  then  observed  in 


*  "  So  severe  was  the  fighting  at  this  point,  that  an  old  soldier  who  was  in 
the  battle  once  told  me  that  in  the  low  ground  in  front  of  the  redoubt,  the 
blood  and  water  was  knee-deep." —  E.  R.  Freeman  to  the  author. 

=*The  statement  of  Mr.  Irving  that  the  Hessians  bore  the  brunt  of 
the  battles  of  Freeman's  Farm  and  Saratoga  is  erroneous.  Only  one 
Hessian  regiment  was  in  these  battles,  the  rest  being  in  Long  Island  and 
the  Southern  department. 

3  This  high  ground  is  now  called  Burgoyne's  (Breymann's)  hill.  See  note, 
p.  52. 


that  part 
light  infa 
Learned 
right  and 
This  s 
part  of  t 
mishing 
their  pos 
and  the 
Had  they 
possible,  '. 
to   have   1 
approach 
German   1 
Arnold,  a 
took  the  1( 
the  openin 
wickers   o 
that  the  cl 
selves   fon 
position  ir 
Specht,   ir 
hastily  ral 
the  growii 
quainted    \ 
the  woods 
corps,  but 
the  hands 
officers  we 
retained  b^ 


within 
jxposed 
the  ex- 

ccupied 
id  con- 
letween 
i   yards 
;  right, 3 
.     The 
Great 
anadian 
ground 
twenty 
.riH    had 
breast 
when 
in  open 
?iment, 
On 
in  with 
rved  in 

Iho  was  in 
|oubt,  the 

brunt  of 
)nly  one 
jland  and 

ISee  note, 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        65 

that  part  of  the  enemy's  line  between  the  Germans  and 
light  infantry  where  were  stationed  the  Provincials,  and 
Learned  was  accordingly  requested  to  incline  to  the 
right  and  attack  that  point. 

This  slack   fire  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  larger 
p^rt  of  the  Canadian  companies   belonging  to   the  skir- 
mishing expedition   of  the  morning  were   absent   from 
their  posts,  pait   of  them   being  in  the   Great    redoubt 
and  the   others   not    having   returned   to   their   position. 
Had  they    been  in  their  places,   it  would  have   been  im- 
possible, Riedesel  thinks,  for  the  left  flank  of  Breymann 
to   have   been   surrounded.      Be  this   as  it  may,  on  the 
approach    of  Learned,  the  Canadians  fled,   leaving  the 
German   flank   uncovered ;    and   at    the  same   moment 
Arnold,  arriving  from  his  attack  on  the  Great  redoubt, 
took  the  lead  of  Learned's  brigade,  and  passing  through 
the  opening  left  by  the  Canadians,   attacked  the  Bruns- 
wickers   on  their  left  flank  and  rear  with  such   success 
that  the  chivalric  Breymann  was, killed,  and  they  them- 
selves  forced  to  retreat,  leaving  the  key   of  the  British 
position   in  the   hands  of  the   Americans.     Lieut.   Col. 
Specht,   in   the  Great  redoubt,  hearing  ot  this  disaster, 
hastily   rallied  four  officers  and  fifty    men  and  started  in 
the  growing   dusk  to  retake  the  intrenchment.     Unac- 
quainted  with   the  road,  he  met  a  pretended  royalist  in 
the  woods,   who  promised    to  lead    him  to    Breymann's 
corps,  but   his  guide   treacherously    delivered   him    into 
the  hands  of  the  Americans,  by  whom  he  and  the  four 
officers  were  captured.     The  advantage  thus  gained  was 
retained  by  the  Americans  j  and  darkness  put  an  end  to 


66        Campairn  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


an  action,  equally  brilliant  and  important  to  the  Conti- 
nental arms.  Great  numbers  of  the  enemy  were 
killed,  and  two  hundred  prisoners  taken.  Burgoyne  him- 
self narrowly  escaped,  one  ball  having  passed  through  his 
hat,  and  another  having  torn  his  waistcoat.  The  loss  of 
the  Americans  was  inconsiderable.^ 

VII. 

In  their  final  retreat,  the  Brunswickers  turned  and  de- 
livered a  parting  volley,  which  killed  Arnold's  horse. 
Just  at  this  moment,  a  wounded  Brunswicker  fired  at 
Arnold  and  wounded  him  in  the  same  leg  that  had  been 
injured  by  a  musket  ball  at  the  storming  of  Quebec, 
two  years  previously.  A  private,  by  the  name  of  John 
Redman,  seeing  his  general  wounded,  at  once  ran  up  to 
bayonet  the  offender,  but  was  prevented  by  Arnold, 
who,  with  true  chivalry,  excjaimed,  "  He's  a  fine  fel- 
low—  don't  hurt  him!"^     At  this  instant,  while  Arnold 


*The  British  and  German  troops  who  were  killed  in  this  battle  were 
slightly  covered  with  earth  and  brush  where  they  fell,  apparently  unla- 
mented  by  friend  or  foe.  "  It  was  not  an  uncommon  thing,"  says  Neilson, 
"  after  the  land  was  cleared  and  began  to  be  cultivated,  to  see  five,  ten,  and 
even  twenty  human  skulls  piled  up  on  different  stumps  about  the  field."  I 
have  myself,  when  a  boy,  seen  human  bones  thickly  strewn  about  on  the 
ground,  which  had  been  turned  out  with  the  plow.  "  Near  the  place  where 
Fraser  fell,  a  hole  was  dug  into  which  the  bodies  of  forty  soldiers  were 
thrown,  after  being  stripped  of  their  clothing  by  the  women  of  the  Ameri- 
can camp." 

'  This  was  told  in  1848  to  Mr  Jtptha  R.  Simms  by  Nicholas  Stoner, 
the  celebrated  scout,  who  was  an  eyewitness  of  the  circumstance.  The 
Germans,  he  says,  always  continued  to  fight  after  they  were  down,  because 


was  stri 
Armstrc 
Gates  t( 
rash  thir 
rash  thi 
troops  t( 
er."  " 
officer,  > 
the  leade 
ties  of  t 

they  had   b 

no  quarter. 

Nicholas 

was  among 

wounded  in 

Simms,  who 

near  Stoner, 

fragments  in 

hair  and  fraj 

head  about  t 

still  affects  [ 

fifer  [Stoner 

to  seek  out  a 

near  his  own 

Col.  Livingst 

onel,'  replied 

catch  me  stJ 

spot  indicated 

upon  Tyrreir 

can   camp.    '^ 

hat,  say  aboi 

have  been  cu 

of  the  head  o 

ivbat  hurt  hi, 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        67 

was  striving  to  extricate  himself  from  his  saddle,  Major 
Armstrong  rode  up  and  delivered  to  him  an  order  from 
Gates  to  return  to  camp,  fearing  he  "  might  do  some 
rash  thing."  "He  indeed,"  says  Mr.  Tossing,  "  did  a 
rash  thing  in  the  eves  of  military  discipline.  He  led 
troops  to  victory  without  an  order  from  his  command- 
er." "It  is  a  curious  fact,"  says  Sparks,  "that  an 
officer,  who  had  really  no  command  in  the  army,  was 
the  leader  in  one  of  the  most  spirited  and  important  bat- 
tles of  the  Revolution.     His  madness  or   rashness,  or 


they  had  been  assured  by  their  employers  that  the  Americans    would  give 
no  quarter. 

Nicholas  Stoner,  one  of  the  most  noted  trappers  oi  Central  New  York, 
was  among  those  who  followed  Arnold  into  Breymann's  camp.  He  was 
wounded  in  this  charge  in  a  singular  manner.  "  A  cannon  shot,"  says 
Simms,  who  had  it  from  the  scout,  "from  the  breastwork  killed  a  soldier 
near  Stoner,  named  Tyrrell.  The  ball  demolished  his  head,  sending  its 
fragments  into  the  face  of  Stoner,  which  was  literally  covered  with  brains, 
hair  and  fragments  of  the  skull.  He  fell  senseless,  with  the  right  of  his 
head  about  the  ear  severely  cut  by  portions  of  the  skull  bone,  which  injury, 
still  affects  [1848]  his  )  earing  in  that  ear.  Shortly  after,  as  the  young 
fifer  [Stoner  was  a  fifer]  was  missing,  one  Sweeny,  an  Irish  soldier,  was  sent 
to  seek  out  and  bear  him  from  the  field  j  but  a  cannon  shot  whizzed  so 
near  his  own  head,  that  he  soon  returned  without  the  object  of  his  search. 
Col.  Livingston  asked  Sweeny  where  the  lad  Stoner  was  ?  *Jasus  !  Col- 
onel,' replied  the  soldier,  *  a  goose  has  laid  an  egg  there,  and  you  don't 
catch  me  staying  there  !'  Lieut.  Wm.  Wallace  then  proceeded  to  the 
spot  indicated  by  the  Irishman,  and  found  our  hero  with  his  head  reclining 
upon  Tyrrell's  thigh;  and  taking  him  in  his  arms,  bore  him  to  the  Ameri- 
can camp.  When  young  Stoner  was  found,  a  portion  of  the  brim  of  his 
hat,  say  about  one-fourth  the  size  of  a  nine  pound-shot,  was  observed  to 
have  been  cut  off  very  smoothly;  the  rest  of  it  was  covered  with  the  ruins 
of  the  head  of  Tyrrell,  who,  to  use  the  words  of  Stoner,  *  did  not  knoiu 
what  hurt  bim.*  '* 


68         Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

whatever  it  may  be  called,  resulted  most  fortunately  for 
himself.  The  wounds  he  received  at  the  moment  of 
rushing  into  the  very  arms  of  danger  and  death,  added 
fresh  lustre  to  his  military  glory,  and  was  anew  claim  to 
public  favor  and  applause."  In  the  heat  of  the  action,  he 
struck  an  officer  on  the  head  with  his  swo'd  and 
wounded  him,  an  indignity  which  might  justly  have  been 
retaliated  on  the  spot,  and  in  the  most  fatal  manner. 
The  officer  did,  indeed,  raise  his  gun  to  shoot  him,  but 
he  forebore,  and  on  the  next  day  when  he  demanded  re- 
dress, Arnold  declared  his  entire  ignorance  of  the  act, 
and  expressed  his  regret.  Wilkinson  ascribed  his  rash- 
ness to  intoxication,  but  Major  Armstrong,  who,  with 
Samuel  Woodruff  assisted  in  removing  him  from  the 
field,  was  satisfied  that  this  was  not  the  case.  Others 
ascribed  it  to  opium.  This,  however,  is  conjecture  un- 
sustained  by  proofs  of  any  kind,  and  consequently  im- 
probable. His  vagaries  may  perhaps  be  sufficiently 
explained  by  the  extraordinary  circumstances  of  wounded 
pride,  anger  and  desperation  in  which  he  was  placed. 
But  his  actions  were  certainly  rash,  when  compared  with 
*'  the  stately  method  of  the  commader-in-chief,  who 
directed  by  orders  from  his  camp,  what  his  presence 
should  have  sanctioned  in  the  field." 

Indeed,  the  conduct  of  Gates  does  not  compare 
favorably  either  with  that  of  his  own  generals,  or  of  his 
opponents.  While  Arnold  and  Burgoyne  were  in  the 
hottest  of  the  fight  boldly  facing  danger  and  almost 
meeting  face  to  face.  Gates,  according  to  the  statement 
of  his  adjutant  general,  was  discussing  the  merits  of  the 


Revoluti 
camp,  w 
comman 
the  verbt 
because 
argumen 
if  "he  h 
A  few  dj 
Gates 

'  "  Sir  Fr; 

be  an  impeti 

the  conversa 

anything,  as 

to  know  wh( 

13th  ;   and  t 

him,  as  to  th 

in  announcin 

pause  ?  Do  y( 

an   act  of  pri 

■■eplied  he,  *  ] 

them  for  me, 

he  gave  twen 

lar  attention  1 

sented   her   c 

general,  who  ( 

The  woman 

General  Burj 

woman   to  hoi 

imposition,  h 

reference  to  th 

and  the    merr 

consider  as  th 

»  "  <  I  will 
the  militia  br( 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        6g 


atelv  for 
iment  of 
[i,  added 
claim  to 
ctlon,  he 
'Old    and 
a\ e  been 
manner, 
him,  but 
mded  re- 
the  act, 
his  rash- 
^ho,  with 
from  the 
Others 
cture  un- 
fitly im- 
fficiently 
wounded 
placed, 
red  with 
ief,  who 
resence 

[compare 

)r  of  his 

[e  in  the 

almost 

latement 

of  the 


Revolution  with  Sir  Francis  Gierke,  Burgoyne's  aid-de- 
camp, who,  wounded  and  a  prisoner,  was  lying  upon  the 
commander's  bed  seemingly  more  intent  upon  winning 
the  verbal  than  the  actual  battle.  Gates  became  incensed 
because  Sir  Francis  would  not  admit  the  force  of  his 
argument,  and  calling  his  aid  out  of  the  room,  asked  him 
if  "  he  had  ever  heard  so  impudent  a  son  of  a  b — h  ?" 
A  few  days  afterward  Sir  Francis  died.^ 
Gates  has  been  suspected  of  a  lack  of  personal  courage.^ 


'  "  Sir  Francis,  who  was  I  think  a  member  of  parliament,  appeared  to 
be  an  impetuous,  high-minded,  frank,  fearless  fellow,  for  suddenly  changing 
the  conversation  he  enquired  of  me,  '  whether  our  surgeons  were  good  for 
anything,  as  he  did  not  like  the  direction  of  his  wound,  and  was  desirous 
to  know  whether  it  was  mortal  or  not  ?'  .  .  Sir  Francis  died,  I  think  the 
13th}  and  the  day  before,  questioned  Doctor  Townshend,  who  attended 
him,  as  to  the  probable  result  of  his  wound.  The  doctor  feeling  a  reluctance 
in  announcing  his  doom,  he  observed  it,  and  remarked,  *  Doctor  why  do  you 
pause  ?  Do  you  think  I  am  afraid  to  die  ?'  The  doctor  then  advised  him,  as 
an  act  of  prudence,  to  arrange  his  private  affairs.  '  Thank  you,  doctor,* 
replied  he,  *  I  understand  you.  As  to  my  private  affairs,  my  father  settled 
them  for  me,  and  I  have  only  a  few  legacies  to  bequeath.'  Among  them 
he  gave  twenty  guineas  to  the  matron  of  our  hospital,  who  had  paid  particu- 
lar attention  to  him.  Some  time  after  the  conversation,  the  matron  pre- 
sented her  claim  to  Captain  Money,  the  British  deputy-quarter-master 
general,  who  discharged  it  in  Continental  bills  then  at  a  considerable  depreciation. 
The  woman  complained  of  the  circumstance,  and  was  recommended  to 
General  Burgoyne,  who  expressed  his  abhorrence  of  the  act,  directed  the 
woman  to  bold  the  Continental  bills,  and  obliged  Money  to  atone  for  the 
imposition,  by  paying  the  egacy  in  bard  guineas  of  British  coinage,  ivitbout 
reference  to  tbe  sum  he  bad  already  paid  ber  —  which  a  due  regard  to  justice 
and  the  memory  of  his  much  lamented  friend  would  not  permit  him  to 
consider  as  the  accomplishment  of  Sir  Francis's  intention.'' —  fVtlk'mson. 

=  '*  *  I  will  bring  the  rascals  back  with  me  into  line,'  exclaimed  Gates,  as 
the  militia  broke  and  fied  at  Camden ;  and,  leaving  Kalb  to  bear  the  brunt 

7 


yo        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


C 


He  certainly  looked  forward  to  a  possible  retreat ;  and, 
while  he  cannot  be  censured  for  guarding  against  every 
emergency,  he,  to  say  the  least,  was  not  animated  by  the 
spirit  which  led  Cortez  to  burn  his  ships  behind  him. 
At  the  beginning  of  the  battle  Quarter  Master  Genera] 
Lewis  was  directed  to  take  eight  men  with  him  to  the  field 
to  convey  to  Gates  information  from  time  to  time  concern- 
ing the  progress  of  the  action.  At  the  same  time,  the 
baggage  trains  were  all  loaded  up  ready  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice.  The  first  information  that  arrived, 
represented  the  British  troops  to  exceed  the  Americans, 
and  the  trains  were  ordered  to  move  on  ;  but  by  the  time 
they  were  under  motion,  more  favorable  news  was 
received,  and  the  order  was  countermanded.  Thus  they 
continued  to  move  on  and  halt  alternately  until  the  joyful 
news  —  "  The  British  have  retreated  "  —  rang  through 
the  camp,  which  reaching  the  attentive  guard  of  the 
teamsters,  they  all  with  one  accord  swung  their  hats,  and 
gave  three  long  and  loud  cheers.  The  glad  tidings  were 
transmitted  with  such  rapidity  from  one  to  another  that 
by  the  time  the  victorious  troops  had  returned  to  their 
quarters,  the  American  camp  was  thronged  with  inhabit- 
ants from  the  surrounding  country  and  formed  a  scene 
of  the  greatest  exultation. 

From  the  foregoing  account  it  will  be  seen  that  the 
term  Battle  of  Bemis's  Heights^  used  to  designate  the 
action  of  October  7th  is  erroneous,  and  calculated  to 


mislead, 
gagement 
rods   sou 
battle  of 
on  which 
fact,  that 
and  a  qua 
were  the 
previous, 
"  Battle  o 


of  the  attack,  he  spurred  after  them,  not  drawing  rein  till  he  reached 
Charlotte,  sixty  miles  from  the  field  of  battle  !" —  Green's  German  Element 
in  the  War  of  American  Independence. 


On  the 
goyne  left 
on  to  the 
trains,  but 
ing  becaus( 
He  wished 
Americans 
session  of  1 
densed  his 
by  nature, 
the  entren 
artillery  an 
particularly 
Provincials 
kept  up  an 
line  of  visi 
lurking  pai 
wound  in 


e, 

;at ;  and, 
nst  every 
ed  bv  the 
ind    him. 

General 
)  the  field 
concern- 
ime,  the 
lOve  at  a 
:  arrived, 
nericans, 

the  time 
ews  was 
^hus  they 
:he  joyful 

through 
d  of  the 
hats,  and 
ngs  were 

her  that 
to  their 

inhabit- 

a  scene 

that  the 
late  the 
lated  to 

reached 
an  Element 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        7 1 

• 

mislead.  The  original  maps  show  that  the  second  en- 
gagement began  on  ground  two  hundred  and  twenty-five 
rods  southwest  of  the  site  of  the  first  (known  as  the 
battle  of  Freeman's  farm)  and  ended  on  the  same  ground 
on  which  that  action  was  fought.  The  only  interest,  in 
fact,  that  attaches  to  Bemis's  heights  —  fully  one  mile 
and  a  quarter  south  of  the  battle  ground  —  is,  that  they 
were  the  head-quarters  of  Gates  during,  and  a  short  time 
previous,  to  the  battle.  This  is  called  variously  the 
"  Battle  of  Stillwater,  Bemis's  Heights,  and^of  Saratoga." 

VIII. 

On  the  morning  of  the  8th,  before  daybreak,  Bur- 
goyne left  his  position,  now  utterly  untenable,  and  defiled 
on  to  the  meadows  by  the  river  where  were  his  supply 
trains,  but  was  oWiged  to  delay  his  retreat  until  the  even- 
ing because  his  hospital  could  not  be  sooner  removed. 
He  wished  also  to  avail  himself  of  the  darkness.  The 
Americans  immediately  moved  forward  and  took  pos- 
session of  the  abandoned  camp.  Burgoyne,  having  con- 
densed his  forces  upon  some  heights  which  were  strong 
by  nature,  and  covered  by  a  ravine  running  parallel  with 
the  entrenchments  of  his  late  camp,  a  random  fire  of 
artillery  and  small  arms  was  kept  up  through  the  day, 
particularly  on  the  part  of  the  German  chasseurs  and  the 
Provincials.  These  stationed  in  cover.s  of  the  ravine 
kept  up  an  annoying  fire  upon  every  one  crossing  their 
line  of  vision,  and  it  was  by  a  shot  from  one  of  these 
lurking  parties,  that  General  Lincoln  received  a  severe 
wound   in  the  leg  while  riding  near  the  line.     It  was 


72        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


evident  from  the  movements  of  the  British  that  they  were 
preparing  to  retreat  ;  but  the  American  troops,  having, 
in  the  delirium  of  joy  consequent  upon  their  victory, 
neglected  to  draw  and  eat  their  rations,  and  being  withal 
not  a  little  fatigued  with  the  two  days'  exertions,  fell  back 
to  their  camp  which  had  been  left  standing  in  the  morn- 
ing. Retreat,  was,  indeed,  the  only  alternative  left  to  the 
British  commander,  since  it  was  now  quite  certain  that 
he  could  not  cut  his  way  through  the  American  army, 
and  his  supplies  were  reduced  to  a  short  allowance  for 
five  days. 

Meanwhile,  in  addition  to  the  chagrin  of  defeat,  a 
deep  gloom  pervaded  the  British  camp.  The  gallant 
and  beloved  Fraser,  the  life  and  soul  of  the  army,  lay 
dying  in  the  little  farm-house  on  the  river  bank  occupied 
by  Mrs.  General  Riedesel.* 

General  Fraser  had  been  borne  off  the  field  supported 
by  two  soldiers,  one  on  each  side  of  his  horse.  "When  he 
arrived  in  camp,"  says  Lamb,  "the  ofiicers  all  anxiously 


*  The  quarters  which  Mrs.  Riedesel  then  occupied,  and  in  which  General 
Fraser  died  —  known  then  as  the  Taylor  house,  and  since  as  the 
Smith  house,  was  situated  three  miles  and  a  half  south  of  Fish  creek, 
and  about  one  hundred  rods  north  of  Wilbur's  basin  or  the  old  Ensign  store. 
At  the  time  of  the  battle,  it  stood  by  the  side  of  the  old  road  to  Stillwater, 
on  the  west  margin  of  the  intervale  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  which  General 
Fraser  was  buried.  When,  some  years  afterward,  the  present  turnpike  was  con- 
structed, running  twenty  rods  from  the  old  road,  the  latter  was  discontinued, 
and  a  M''.  Smith  (who  had  purchased  the  old  house)  drew  it  to  the  west 
side  of  the  turnpike  and  turned  it  into  a  tavern.  It  stood  until  within  four 
years,  when  it  was  torn  down.  The  foundations  can  yet  be  seen.  In 
1820,  the  late  Theodore  D wight  visited  the  spot,  and  made  a  drawing  of 
it, -which   has   been  engraved  and  is  here  given  on  the  opposite  page. 


C/l 


n 
X 

0 
7> 


r 
o 
75 

X 
0 

c. 


I 


i 


ley  were 
having, 
victory, 
g  withal 
fell  back 
e  morn- 
;ft  to  the 
:ain  that 
n  army, 
'ance  for 

defeat,  a 
E  gallant 
irmy,  lay 
occupied 

upported 
hen  he 
nxiously 

iich  General 
ice    as    the 
|Fish    creek, 
Ensign  store, 
Stillwater, 
Iich  General 
ikewascon- 
scontinued, 
to  the  west 
Iwithin  four 
seen.     In 
drawing  of 
I  page. 


0 


r 
o 

X 

c 


n 

X 

0 
m 


7) 
> 

7> 


i«> 


74        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

inquired  as  to  his  wound  i  but  the  downcast  look  at)d 
melancholy  that  were  visible  to  every  one  too  plainly 
spoke  his  situation,  and  all  the  answer  he  could  m;ike  to 
the  many  inquiries,  was  a  shake  of  his  head,  expressive 
that  all  was  over  with  him.  So  much  was  he  beloved, 
that  even  the  women  flocked  round,  solicitous  for  his 
fate.  When  he  reached  his  tent,  and  was  recovered  a 
little  from  the  faintness  occasioned  by  the  loss  of  blood, 
he  told  those  around  him,  that  he  saw  the  man  who  shot 
him  ;  he  was  a  rifleman,  and  aimed  from  a  tree.  After 
the  surgeon  had  dressed  his  wound  he  said  to  him  \  crv 
composedly,  '  Tell  me,  to  the  best  of  your  skill  and 
judgment,  if  you  think  my  wound  is  mortal  ? '  when  he 
replied,  '1  an  sorry,  sir,  to  inform  you,  that  it  is  ;  and 
that  you  cannot  possibly  live  more  than  twenty-four 
hours,'  the  general  called  for  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and 
after  making  his  will,  and  distributing  a  few  little  tokens 
to  the  officers  of  his  suite,  desired  that  he  might  be  re- 
moved to  the  general  hospital." 

Mrs.  Riedesel,  whose  "  charming  blue  eyes,'*  General 
Wilkinson  says,  he  has  often  seen  bedewed  with  tears 
at  the  recital  of  her  sufferings  —  has  described  the  last 
scene  in  the  life  of  this  unfortunate  officer  with  such 
unaffected  pathos,  that  we  give  it  in  her  own  words, 
simply  premising  that  on  the  previous  day  she  had  ex- 
pected Burgoyne,  Phillips  and  Fraser  to  dine  with  her 
after  their  return  from  the  reconnaissance  of  the  morning. 
Mrs.  Reidesel  says  : 

*•'  About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  instead  of  the 
guests  who  were  to  have  dined  with  us,  they  brought 
in  to  me,  upon  a  litter,  poor  General    Fraser    mortally 


r< 


woundec 
was  tak( 
the  gene 
and    (|u; 
'I'he  tho 
same  ma 
cessanti) 
conceal 
•  gone  th 
Harnage 
eaten  a  h 
tines  wcr 
I  heard  I 
ambition 
Prayers  v 
General 
the  follov 
top  of  a  h 
"  I  kne 
entry  was 
the  camp 
night   in 
Ackland, 
and  at  an( 
put  to  bed 
I  had  Gei 
room,  and 
wake  up  ^ 
who  often 
trouble. 


:•■*  ,i 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        7  5 


)ok  and 
I  plainly 
fiiakc  to 
prcssivf 
iiclovcd, 
for  his 
3vcrccl  a 
»f  blood, 
vho  shot 
After 
lim  very 
kill   and 
when  he 
is  -,  and 
:nty-four 
per,  and 
c  tokens 
It  be  re- 
General 
lith  tears 
the  last 
Ith   such 
words, 
had  ex- 
ith  her 
orning. 

Id  of  the 
prought 
lortally 


wounded.  Our  dining  tabic,  which  was  already  spread, 
was  taken  away,  and  in  its  place,  they  fixed  up  a  bed  f(.r 
the  general.  I  sat  in  a  corner  of  the  room  trembling 
and  (piaking.  'I'he  noises  grew  continually  louder. 
The  thought  that  they  might  bring  my  husband  in  the 
same  manner  was  to  me  dreadful,  and  tormented  me  in- 
cessantly. The  general  said  to  the  surgeon,  'do  not 
conceal  anything  from  me,  must  I  die?  '  The  ball  had 
gone  through  his  bowels  precisely  as  in  the  case  of  Major 
Harnage.  Unfortunately,  however,  the  general  had 
eaten  a  hearty  breakfast,  by  reason  of  which  the  intes- 
tines were  distended,  and  the  ball  had  gone  through  them. 
I  heard  him  often,  amidst  his  groans  exclaim,  'oh  fatal 
ambition  !  Poor  General  Hurgoyne  !  My  poor  wife  !  ' 
Prayers  were  read  to  him.  He  then  sent  a  message  to 
General  Burgoyne  begging  that  he  would  have  him  buried 
the  following  day  at  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  on  the 
top  of  a  hill,  which  was  a  sort  of  a  redoubt. 

"  I  knew  no  longer  which  way  to  turn.  The  whole 
entry  was  filled  with  the  sick  who  were  suffering  with 
the  camp-sickness,  a  kind  of  dysentery.  I  spent  the 
night  in  this  manner,  at  one  time  comforting  Lady 
Ackland,  whose  husband  was  wounded,  and  a  prisoner, 
and  at  another  looking  upon  my  children,  whom  I  had 
put  to  bed.  As  for  myself,  I  could  not  go  to  sleep,  as 
I  had  General  Fraser,  and  all  the  other  gentlemen  in  my 
room,  and  was  constantly  afraid  that  my  children  would 
wake  up  *:nd  cry,  and  thus  disturb  the  poor  dying  man, 
who  often  sent  to  beg  my  pardon  for  making  me  so  much 
trouble.     About  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  they  told 


7  6        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


me  that  he  could  not  last  much  longer.  I  had  desired 
to  be  apprised  of  the  approach  of  this  moment.  I  ac- 
cordingly wrapped  up  the  children  in  the  coverings  and 
went  with  them  into  the  entry.  Early  in  the  morning, 
at  eight  o'clock,  he  died." 

General  Fraser  belonged  to  the  house  of  Lovatt, 
whose  family  name  was  Fraser.  The  Earl  of  Lovatt 
was  one  of  the  noblemen  who  were  compromised  by  the 
rebellion  of  the  last  Stuart  pretender,  and  whose  fortunes 
were  reversed  at  the  battle  of  Culloden  in  1795.  Gen- 
eral Fraser,  a  scion  of  the  house,  of  a  sanguine  tempera- 
ment, ardent  and  ambitious,  entered  the  army,  and  became 
so  distinguished  for  his  military  ability,  as  to  be  advanced 
to  ^he  rank  of  brigadier  general,  and  was  selected  for  a 
command  in  Burgoyne's  expedition.  He  had  received 
intimations  that  if  the  enterprise  were  successful,  the 
government  would  revoke  the  act  of  attainder,  and  re- 
store to  him  the  family  title  and  estates.  With  a  know- 
ledge of  these  facts.  It  is  easy  to  understand  the  meaning 
of  the  wounded  general's  exclamations  as  he  lay  waiting 
for  death  in  the  little  Tavlor  farm  house,  the  first 
alluding  to  the  sad  extinction  of  his  own  cherished  hopes 
of  well  earned  position  and  renown  ;  the  second  betray- 
ing his  anxiety  for  his  commander,  whose  impending 
disgrace  he  clearly  foresaw.* 


*  In  this  connection,  the  reader  will  doubtless  recall  the  last  words  of  the 
Hessian  colonel,  Donop,  who  fell  at  the  battle  of  Red  Bank,  N.  J.,  Oct. 
aa,  of  the  same  year,  aged  37.  He  was  found  by  the  French  officer,  Capt. 
Duplesse,  lying  helpless  on  the  battle-field  among  the  dead  and  wounded, 
and  brought   to  the  house  of  a  Quaker,   where  he  lay  three  days  in  agony 


"Aft 
continue 
bedstead 
this  sad  « 
also,  wc 
the  cam 
but    the 
About  fc 
which   h 
therefore 
ral  Burg< 
Fraser  ai 
designate 
delay,  to 
was  owii 
brought  c 
their  reti 
chaplain, 
The  cam 
party.' 

before  he  e 
derly  nursed 
nation  for  a 
the  avarice  ( 

*  These  si 
almost  oppoi 
from  Willa 
about  three 
the  followir 
encamped  a 
company  w 


desired 
I  ac- 

igs  and 
lorning, 

Lovatt, 
Lovatt 

by  the 
brtuncs 
Gen- 
;mpera- 
became 
Ivanced 
2d  for  a 
eceived 
"ul,  the 
and  re- 

know- 
Deaning 
aiting 
le    first 

hopes 

letray- 
lending 


is  of  the 
.,  Oct. 
3r,  Capt. 
loundcd, 
In  agony 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.       77 

"  After  they  had  washed  the  corpse,"  Mrs.  Riedesel 
continues,  "  they  wrapped  it  in  a  sheet,  and  laid  it  on  a 
bedstead.  We  then  again  came  into  the  room,  and  had 
this  sad  sight  before  us  the  whole  day.  At  every  instant, 
also,  wounded  officers  of  my  acquaintance  arrived,  and 
the  cannonade  again  began.  A  retreat  was  spoken  of, 
but  there  was  not  one  movement  made  towards  it. 
About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  I  saw  the  new  house 
which  had  been  built  for  me  in  flames ;  the  enemy 
therefore  were  not  far  from  us.  We  learned  that  Gene- 
ral Burgoyne  intended  to  fulfill  the  last  wish  of  General 
Fraser  and  to  have  him  buried  at  six  o'clock,  in  the  place 
designated  by  him.  This  occasioned  an  unnecessary 
delay,  to  which  a  part  of  the  misfortunes  of  the  army 
was  owing.  Precisely  at  six  o'clock  the  corpse  was 
brought  out,  and  we  saw  the  entire  body  of  generals  with 
their  retinues  assisting  at  the  obsequies.  The  English 
chaplain,  Mr.  Brudenel,  performed  the  funeral  services. 
The  cannon  balls  flew  continually  around  and  over  the 

.merican  general.  Gates,  afterward  said 


party. 


g^ 


before  he  expired.  Almost  his  last  words  to  Duplesse,  who  had  ten- 
derly nursed  him  were  :  **  I  die  in  the  arms  of  honor  —  a  sudden  termi- 
nation for  a  glorious  career  j  but  I  die  the  victim  of  my  ambition,  and  of 
the  avarice  of  my  prince  !" 

*  These  shots  were  fired  from  the  rising  ground  above  the  eastern  shore, 
almost  opposite  the  scene  of  the  interment,  and  not,  as  some  have  thought, 
horn  Willard's  mountain.  This  last  is  quite  an  elevated  portion  of  land 
about  three  miles  north-east  of  Wilbur's  basin  and  derived  its  name  from 
the  following  fact:  "  At  the  time  Burgoyne,  with  his  veteran  army,  was 
encamped  at  and  near  Wilbur's  basin,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Willard,  in 
company  with  a  few  others,  took  a  good  spyglass,  and  went  to  the  top  of 


7  8        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

that  if  he  had  known  that  it  was  a  burial  he  would  not 
have  allowed  any  firing  in  that  direction.  Many  cannon 
balls  also  flew  not  far  from  me,  but  I  had  my  eyes  fixed 
upon  the  hill,  where  I  distinctly  saw  my  husband  in  the 
midst  of  the  enemy's  fire,  and  therefore  I  could  not 
think  of  my  own  danger."  Certainly,  says  General 
Riedesel  in  his  journal,  "it  was  a  real  military  funeral, 
one  that  was  unique  of  its  kind." 

General  Burgoyne  has  himself  described  this  funeral 
with  his  usual  eloquence  and  felicity  of  expression.  "The 
incessant  cannonading  during  the  solemnity,  the  steady 
attitude  and  unaltered  voice  with  which  the  chaplain 
oflSciated,  though  frequently  covered  with  dust,  which 
the  shot  threw  up^on  all  sides  of  him,  the  mute  but 
expressive  mixture  of  sensibility  and  indignation  upon 
the  mind  of  every  man  who  was  present,  the  grow- 
ing duskiness  added  to  the  scenery,  and  the  whole 
marked  a  character  of  that  juncture  that  would  make 
one  of  the  finest  subjects  for  the  pencil  of  a  master  that 
the  field  ever  exhibited.     To    the  canvas,  and  to  the 


this  mountain,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining,  as  near  as  possible,  the  num- 
ber of  the  British  troops,  the  situation  of  their  camp,  and  to  watch  their 
movements,  and  made  his  reports  accordingly  j  which,  it  was  said,  were 
of  much  benefit  to  the  Americans,  and  from  which  circumstance  it  has 
ever  since  retained  the  appellation  of  *  Willard's  mountain.'  " 

Th^  precise  spot  where  Fraser  was  buried,  is  now  (1877)  marked  by  two 
tall  pines,  which  stand  like  two  grim  sentinels  over  the  remains  of  the 
gallant  general.  The  hills  on  the  top  of  which  the  latter  was  buried, 
stands  some  forty  rods  west  of  the  river-road  from  Schuylerville  to  Still- 
water, and  about  two  hundred  rods  north  of  Wilbur's  basin.  The  Cham- 
plain  canal  passes  close  to  its  base.  For  an  incident  connected  with  the 
tradition  of  the  removal  of  Fraser's  remains  see  Appendix  No.  V. 


faithful 
I  consii 
manly 
distincti 
frail  rec( 


As  soi 

grave  clc 

retreat   i 

mander, 

vaunting 

sentimen 

pelled  to 

containin 

the  mere 

Gates  in 

former  cc 

The  a 
« 

o'clock  in 
rain,Ried 
rear  with 
Fraser  wl 
ing  a  retr 
he  used  \'\ 
fortune  tc 
corps,  to 
generalshi 
during  th( 
five  hundi 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        79 

faithful  pen  of  a  more  important  historian,  gallant  friend  ! 
I  consign  thy  memory.  There  may  thy  talents,  thy 
manly  virtues,  their  progress  and  their  period  find  due 
distinction,  and  long  may  they  survive,  long  after  the 
frail  record  of  my  pen  shall  be  forgotten  !  " 


IX. 

As  soon  as  the  funeral  services  were  finished  and  the 
grave  closed,  an  order  was  issued  that  the  army  should 
retreat  as  soon  as  darkness  had  set  in ;  and  the  com- 
mander, who,  in  the  beginning  of  the  campaign,  had 
vauntingly  uttered  in  general  orders  that  memorable 
sentiment,  "  Britons  never  retreat,"  was  now  com- 
pelled to  steal  away  in  the  night,  leaving  his  hospital 
containing  four  hundred  and  sixty  sick  and  wounded,  to 
the  mercy  of  a  victorious  and  hPtherto  despised  enemy. 
Gates  in  this,  as  in  all  other  instances,  extended  to  his 
former  companion  in  arms  the  greatest  humanity. 

The  army  begun  its  retrograde  movement  at  nine 
o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  8th  in  the  midst  of  a  pouring 
rain,  Riedesel  leading  the  van,  and  Phillips  bringing  up  the 
rear  with  the  advanced  corps.  AH  deplored  the  loss  of 
Fraser  who  had  always  shown  "  as  great  skill  in  manag- 
ing a  retreat  as  bravery  in  leading  an  attack."  Indeed, 
he  used  frequently  to  say  that  if  the  army  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  retreat,  he  would  ensure,  with  the  advanced 
corps,  to  bring  it  ofF  i<i  safety.  This  was  a  piece  of 
generalship  of  which  he  was  not  a  little  vain,  having, 
during  the  Seven  years'  war,  made  good  his  retreat  with 
five  hundred  chasseurs  in  sight  of  the  French  army. 


8o        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

In  this  retreat,  the  same  lack  of  judgment  on  the  part 
of  Burgoyne  is  apparent.  Had  that  general,  as  Riedesel 
and  Phillips  advised,  fallen  immediately  back  across  the 
Hudson  and  taken  up  his  former  position  behind  the 
Batten  kil,  not  only  would  his  communications  with  Lake 
George  and  Canada  have  been  restored,  but  he  could,  at 
his  leisure,  have  awaited  the  movements  of  Clinton.  Bur- 
goyne, however,  having  arrived  at  Dovegat  two  hours 
before  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  gave  the  order 
to  halt,  greatly  to  the  surprise  of  his  whole  army.  "  Every 
one,"  says  the  journal  of  Riedesel, "  was,  notwithstanding, 
then  of  the  opinion,  that  the  army  would  make  but  a 
short  stand,  merely  for  its  better  concentration,  as  all 
saw  that  haste  was  of  the  utmost  necessity,  if  they  would 
get  out  of  a  dangerous  trap." 

At  this  time  the  heigjhts  of  Saratoga,  commanding  the 
ford  across  Fish  creek,  were  not  yet  occupied  by  the 
Americans  in  force  ;  and  up  to  seven  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, the  retreating  army  might  easily  have  reached  that 
place,  and  thrown  a  bridge  across  the  Hudson.  General 
Fellows,  who,  by  the  orders  of  Gates,  occupied  the 
heights  at  Saratoga  opposite  the  ford,  was  in  an  extremely 
critical  situation.  On  the  night  of  the  8th,  Lieut.  Col. 
Southerland,  who  had  been  sent  forward  to  reconnoitre, 
crossed  Fish  creek,  and  guided  by  General  Fellows's  fires, 
found  his  camps  so  entirely  unguarded,  that  he  marched 
round  it  without  being  challenged.  He  then  returned 
and,  reporting  to  Burgoyne,  entreated  permission  to  attack 
Fellows  with  his  regiment,  but  was  refused.  "  Had  not 
Burgoyne  halted  at  Dovegat,"  says  Wilkinson,  "  he  must 


»j»  * 


the  part 
^iedesel 
ross  the 
lind   the 
th  Lake 
:ould,  at 
n.    Bur- 
o  hours 
:he  order 
"  Every 
itanding, 
ce  but  a 
n,  as  all 
sy  would 

ding  the 
by  the 
e  morn- 
Ihed  that 
General 
ied    the 
tremely 
ut.  Col. 
nnoitre, 
s's  fires, 
arched 
eturned 
o  attack 
ad  not 
he  must 


8 


i  '< 


82        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,  - 

have  reached  Saratoga  before  day,  in  which  case  Fellows 
would  have  been  cut  up  and  captured  or  dispersed,  and 
Burgoyne's  retreat  to  Fort  George  would  have  been  un- 
obstructed. As  it  was,  however,  Burgoyne's  army  reached 
Saratoga,  just  as  the  rear  of  our  militia  was  ascending 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  Hudson,  where  they  took  post 
and  prevented  its  passage."  Burgoyne,  however,  although 
within  half  an  hour's  march  of  Saratoga,  gave  the  surpris- 
ing order  that  *'  the  army  should  bivouac  in  two  lines, 
and  await  the  day." 

Mr.  Bancroft  ascribes  this  delay  to  the  fact  that  Bur- 
goyne "  was  still  clogged  with  his  artillery  and  baggage, 
and  that  the  night  was  dark,  and  the  roads  weakened  by 
rain."  But  according  to  the  universal  testimony  of  all 
the  manuscript  journals  extant,  the  read  which  up  to 
this  time  was  sufficiently  strong  for  the  i)assage  of  the 
baggage  and  artillery  trains,  became,  during  the  halt, 
so  bad  by  the  continued  rain,  that  when  the  army  again 
moved  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  it  was  obliged  to 
leave  behind  the  tents  and  camp  equipage,  which  fell 
most  opportunely  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans. 
Aside,  however,  from  this,  it  is  a  matter  of  record  that 
the  men,  through  their  officers,  pleaded  with  Burgoyne 
to  be  allowed  to  proceed,  notwithstanding  the  storm  and 
darkness  ;  while  the  officers  themselves  pronounced  the 
delay  "  madness."  But  whatever  were  the  motives  of 
the  English  general  this  delay  lost  him  his  army,  and 
perhaps  the  British  crown  her  American  colonies. 

During  the  halt  at  Dovegats,  there  occurred  one  of 
those  incidents  which  relieve  with  fairer  lights  and  softer 


tints  th< 
had,  lik( 
to  Amei 
of  camj 
of  Sir  T\ 
gallant  s 
dearly, 
veniencel 
She  had 
mitting  j 
Chamble 
only  the 
Baroness 
army,  co 
belonging 
thing  am( 

' "  While  1 
(Coveville),  I 
were  nearly  1( 
and  obliged  to 
of  the  difficu! 
tent.  A  Ne\ 
pushed  the  c; 
against  the  si 
soldier  who  v 
Ackland  from 
tiirough  the  b 
horror  her  ht 
soldier  brou};h 
Everything  ir 
too  happy  to  s 
page."  —  Neil 


e  Fellows 
M'sed,  and 
been  un- 
ly  reached 
ascending 
took  post 
,  although 
le  surpris- 
two  lines, 

that  Bur- 
i  baggage, 
akened  by 
3ny   of  all 
tiich   up  to 
age  of  the 
the  halt, 
rmy  again 
obliged  to 
kvhich  fell 
mericans. 
ecord  that 
Burgoyne 
storm  and 
unced  the 
otives  of 
rmy,   and 
es. 

led  one  of 
nd  softer 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        83 

tints  the  gloomy  picture  of  war.  Lady  Harriet  Ackland 
had,  like  the  Baroness  Riedesel,  accompanied  her  husband 
to  America  and  gladly  shared  with  him  the  vicissitudes 
of  campaign  life.'  Major  John  Dyke  Ackland,  a  son 
of  Sir  Thomas  Ackland,  was  a  rough,  blunt  man,  but  a 
gallant  soldier  and  devoted  husband,  and  she  loved  him 
dearly.  She  had  already  been  subjected  to  great  incon- 
venience and  distress  before  the  army  arrived  at  Saratoga. 
She  had  been  distinguished  by  her  devotion  and  unre- 
mitting attention  to  her  husband,  when  he  lay  sick  at 
Chamblee  in  a  miserable  hut.  She  was,  indeed,  not 
only  the  idol  of  her  husband  but,  together  with  the 
Baroness  Riedesel,  shared  the  admiration  of  the  whole 
army,  continually  making  little  presents  to  the  officers 
belonging  to  the  major's  corps,  whenever  she  had  any- 
thing among  her   stores  that  she  thought   would  gratify 


'  "  While  the  British  army  on  their  advance  were  encamped  at  Dovegat 
(Coveville),  Major  Ackland's  tent  took  fire,  and  Lady  Harriet  and  himself 
were  nearly  lost  in  the  flames.  The  major  being  with  the  advance  guard, 
and  obliged  to  be  very  diligent  in  attending  to  his  command,  in  consequence 
of  the  difficulty  and  danger  of  his  position,  kept  a  candle  burning  in  his 
tent.  A  Newfoundland  dog,  of  which  they  were  very  fond,  unfortunately 
pushed  the  candle  from  a  table  or  chair  where  it  was  standing  j  it  fell 
against  the  side  of  the  tent,  and  instantly  the  whole  was  in  a  blaze.  A 
soldier  who  was  keeping  guard  near  them,  rushed  in  and  dragged  Major 
Ackland  from  the  flames,  w.MleLady  Harriet  crept  out  almost  unconsciously 
tiirough  the  back  part  of  the  tent.  When  she  looked  round  she  saw  with 
horror  her  husband  rushing  into  the  flames  in  search  of  her.  Again  the 
soldier  brought  him  out,  though  not  without  considerable  injury  to  both. 
Everything  in  the  tent  was  consumed ;  but  the  major  and  his  lady  were 
too  happy  to  see  each  other  in  safety  to  regret  the  loss  of  their  camp  equi- 
page." —  Neihon. 


v3 


84        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

them.  In  return  she  received  from  them  every  atten- 
tion which  could  mitigate  the  hardships  she  daily  en- 
countered. Again,  u^hen  her  husband  was  wounded  at 
Hubbardton,  she  carefully  watched  over  him  until  he 
was  restored  to  health.  The  moment  she  heard  of  his 
wound,  she  hastened  from  Montreal,  where  she  had 
intended  to  remain,  and  crossed  the  lake  in  opposition 
to  her  husband's  injunctions,  resolved  to  share  his  fate 
and  be  separated  from  him  no  more.  And  now,  ever 
since  he  had  been  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  in  the 
action  of  the  7th,  she  had  been  in  sore  distress,  and  it 
had  required  all  the  comforting  attentions  of  the  baroness 
to  reassure  her.  As  soon  as  the  army  halted,  by  the 
advice  of  the  latter,  she  determined  to  visit  the  American 
camp,  and  implore  the  permission  of  its  commander  to 
join  her  husband,*  and  by  her  presence  alleviate  his 
sufferings. 

Accordingly,  on  the  9th,  she  requested  permission  of 
Burgoyne  to  depart.  "  Though  I  was  ready  to  believe," 
says  that  general,  "  that  patience  and  fortitude  in  a 
supreme  degree  were  to  be  found,  as  well  as  every  other 
virtue,  under  the  most  tender  forms,  I  was  astonished  at 
this  proposal.  After  so  long  an  agitation  of  spirits, 
exhausted  not  only  for  want  of  rest,  but  absolutely  want 
of  food,  drenched  in  rains  for  twelve  hours  together,  that 
a  woman  should  be  capable  of  such  an  undertaking  as 
delivering  herself  to  an  enemy  probably  in  the  night, 
and  uncertain  of  what  hands  she  might  fall  into,  appeared 
an  effort  above  human  nature.  The  assistance  I  was 
enabled  to  give   was  small  indeed.     All  I  could   furnish 


to  her 

dirty  w( 
his  protl 
In  thi 
nothing 
wife  of 
at  dusk  11 
piinied  b] 
and  her 
the  Ame 
Major  H 
the  sentir 
the  party 
of  the  mi 
until  the  1 
the    qualit 
gallantly  g 
a  cup  of  te 
herself  kn 
by  the  assi 
says   Adju 
sunrise.     ] 
floating  dc 
Gates,  wh( 
receive  her 

^  Nor  w.-.s  it 
conjugal  devot 
ment  of  a  ser 
she  was  going 
Miller.     For  t 


'Hi 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        85 


atten- 
illy  en- 
nded  at 
antil  he 
d  of  his 
she  had 
iposition 
;  his  fate 
iw,   ever 
^r  in  the 
5,  and  it 
baroness 
,  by   the 
\merican 
nander  to 
viate  his 


to  her  was  an  open  boat,  and  a  few  lines,  written  upon 
dirty  wet  paper  to  General  Ciates,  recommending  her  ' 
his  protection."  ^ 

In  the  midst  of  a  driving  autumnal  storm,  and  with 
nothing  but  a  little  spiriti  and  water,  obtained  from  the 
wife  of  a  soldier,  to  sustain  her.  Lady  Ackland  set  out 
at  dusk  in  an  open  boat  for  the  American  camp,  accom- 
panied by  Mr.  Brudcnell  the  chaplain,  her  waiting  maid, 
and  her  husband's  valet.  At  en  o'clock,  they  reached 
the  American  advanced  guard  under  the  command  of 
Major  Henry  Dearborn.  Lady  Ackland,  herself,  hailed 
the  sentinel,  and  as  soon  as  the  bateau  struck  the  shore, 
the  party  were  immediately  conveyed  into  the  log-cabin 
of  the  major,  who  liad  been  ordered  to  detain  the  flag 
until  the  morning,  the  night  be;ng  exceedingly  dark,  and 
the  quality  of  the  ladv  unknown.  Major  Dearborn 
gallantly  gave  up  his  room  to  his  guest,  a  fire  was  kindled, 
a  cup  of  tea  provided,  and  as  soon  as  Lady  Ackland  made 
herself  known,  her  mind  was  relieved  from  its  anxiety 
by  the  assurance  of  her  husband's  safety.  "  I  visited," 
says  Adjutant  General  Wilkinson,  "  the  guard  before 
sunrise.  Lady  Ackland's  boat  had  put  off,  and  was 
floating  down  the  stream  to  our  camp,  where  General 
Gates,  whose  gallantry  will  not  be  denied,  stood  ready  to 
receive  her  with  all  the  tenderness  and  respect  to  which 


'  Nor  wr.s  it  in   the  higher  walks  of  life  only   that  female    heroism  and 
conjugal  devotion  were  displayed.     Lamb  relates  an  instance  of  the  confine- 
ment of  a  Serjeant's  wife  in  the  woods   near  Lake    George  through  which 
she  was  going  in  pursuit  of  her  husband  then  in  Burgoyne's  army   at  Fort 
Miller.      For  this  in  detail  see  Appendix  No.  XV. 


86        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


her  rank  and  condition  gave  her  a  claim.  Indeed,  the 
feminine  figure,  the  benign  aspect,  and  polished  man- 
ners of  the  charming  woman,  were  alone  sufficient 
to  attract  the  sympathy  of  the  most  obdurate;  but  if 
another  motive  could  have  been  w?"  ^to  inspire  respect, 
it  was  furnished  by  the  peculiar  circumsrances  of  Lady 
Harriet,  then  in  that  most  delicate  situation,  which  can- 
not fail  to  interest  the  solicitude  of  every  being  possess- 
ing the  form  and  feelings  of  a  man."  The  kindness 
which  had  been  shown  to  his  wile.  Major  Ackland  re- 
ciprocated, while  in  parole  in  New  York,  by  doing  all 
in  his  power  to  mitigate  the  sufferings  of  the  American 
prisoners.  His  end  was  particularly  sad.  On  his  return 
to  England,  he  was  killed  in  a  duel  to  which  he  had  been 
challenged  for  warmly  defending  American  courage 
against  the  aspersions  of  a  brother  officer.  Lady  Ack- 
land became  insane,  and  remained  so  two  years,  when, 
having  recovered,  she  married  the  chaplain,  Brudenell. 

X. 

On  the  evening  of  the  9th,  the  main  portion  of  the 
drenched  and  weary  army  forded  Fish  creek  waist  deep, 
and  bivouacked  in  a  wretched  position  in  the  open  air  on 
the  opposite  bank.  Burgoyne  remained  on  the  south  side 
of  the  creek,  with  Hamilton's  brigade  as  a  guard,  and 
passed  the  night  in  the  mansion  of  General  Schuyler. 
The  officers  slept  on  the  ground  with  no  other  covering 

*  As  every  thing  connected  with  this  devoted  wife  must  be  of  interest, 
the  reader  is  referred  «:o  Appendix  No.  VII  for  some  particulars  of  her  after 
life. 


than  o 

wet," 

by  the 

condit 

where 

self  be 

which 

Genera 

we  did 

as  my  I 

the  an 

am  amj 

still  thi 

Would 

halts  b( 

here  an 

Burg 

vance  t 

from  cc 

ward  tc 

illumine 

Brunsw 

the  ginj 

with  so 

the  chai 

wife  of 

'  Were 
same    thin 
sary  to  rec( 
ally  led  hei 


?. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        87 


deed,  the 
led  man- 
sufficient 
e;  but  if 
•e  respect, 

of  Lady 
hich  can- 
5  possess- 

kindness 
kland  re- 
doing all 
American 
his  return 
:  had  been 
1  courage 
-ady  Ack- 
irs,  when, 
"udenell. 


)n  of  the 
aist  deep, 
)en  air  on 
south  side 
uard,  and 
Schuyler, 
covering 

of  interest, 
of  her  after 


than  oilcloth.  Nor  did  their  wives  fare  better.  "  I  was 
wet,"  says  the  Baroness  Riedesel,  "  through  and  through 
by  the  frequent  rains,  and  was  obliged  to  remain  in  this 
condition  the  entire  night,  as  I  had  no  place  whatever, 
where  I  could  change  my  linen.  I  therefore  seated  my- 
self before  a  good  fire  and  undressed  my  children,  after 
which  we  laid  down  together  upon  some  straw.  I  asked 
General  Phillips  who  came  up  to  where  we  were,  why 
we  did  not  continue  our  retreat  while  there  was  yet  time, 
as  my  husband  had  pledged  himself  to  cover  it,  and  bring 
the  army  through  ?  '  Poor  woman  ! '  answered  he,  '  I 
am  amazed  at  you  !  completely  v/et  through,  have  you 
still  the  courage  to  wish  to  go  further  in  this  weather  ! 
Would  that  you  were  our  commanding  general !  He 
halts  because  he  is  tired,  and  intends  to  spend  the  night 
here  and  give  us  a  supper.'  " 

Burgoyne,  however,  would  not  think  of  a  further  ad- 
vance that  night  ;  and  while  his  army  were  suffering 
from  cold  and  hunger,  and  every  one  was  looking  for- 
ward to  the  immediate  future  with  apprehension,  "  the 
illuminated  mansion  of  General  Schuyler,"  says  the 
Brunswick  Journal,  "  rang  with  singing,  laughter,  and 
the  gingling  of  glasses.  There  Burgoyne  was  sitting 
with  some  merry  companions,  at  a  dainty  supper,  while 
the  champagne  was  flowing.  Near  him  sat  the  beautiful 
wife  of  an  English  commissary,  his  mistress.*     Great  as 


'  Were  this  statement  made  by  Mrs.  Riedesel  only  —  for  she  states  the 
same  thing  —  instead  of  by  the  Brunswick  Journal,  it  might  be  neces- 
sary to  receive  it  with  caution,  since  her  prejudices  sometimes  unintention- 
ally led  her  into  extremes.     Mr.  Fonblanque,  however,  in  his  admirable  Life 


88        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


the  calamity  was,  the  frivolous  general  still  kepf  u[)  his 
orgies.  Some  were  even  of  opinion  that  he  had  merely 
made  that  inexcusable  stand  for  the  sake  of  passing  a 
merry  night.  Ricdesel  thought  it  his  duty  to  remind  liis 
general  of  the  danger  of  the  halt,  but  the  latter  returned 
all  sorts  of  evasive  answers."  This  statement  is  cor- 
roborated by  Mrs.  Riedesel  who  also  adds,  "the  following 
day  General  liurgoyne  repaid  the  hospitable  shelter  of 
Schuyler's  mansion  by  burning  it,  with  its  valuable  barns 
and  mills,  to  the  ground,  under  pretence  that  he  might  be 
better  able  to  cover  his  retreat,  but  others  say,  out  of 
mean  revenge  on  the  American  general."  * 

But  the  golden  moment  had  fled.  On  the  following 
morning,  the  loth,  it  was  discovered  that  the  Americans 
under  Fellows  were  in  possession  of  the  Batten  kil,  on  the 


|:--iii 


and  Correspondence  of  Genr>-al  Bur\^oyne^  recently  publibhed,  admits  this  hy 
Implication,  but  seeks  to  leave  the  impression  that  the  champagne  and 
the  "  flirtation,"  as  he  calls  it,  were  indulged  in  by  the  British  general  to 
relieve  the  mental  agony  consequent  upon  his  defeat.  Mr.  Fonblanque's 
book  is  characterized  by  great  fairness  and  liberality  — -a  circumstance  which 
should  commend  it  to  American  readers. 

*  Lamb  who  was  present  at  the  time  of  the  fire  claims,  on  the  contrary, 
that  the  burning  of  the  barns  was  purely  accidental,  and  of  the  house,  the 
rasult  of  military  necessity.  For  Lamb's  version  of  the  aliair  which,  in 
justice  to  Burgoyne,  should  be  read,  see  Appendix,  No.  VIII. 

The  present  Schuyler  mansion  which  was  rebuilt  soon  after  by  Schuyler, 
stands  a  few  yards  northeast  of  the  site  of  the  one  burned  by  Burgoyne. 
The  timber  for  it  was  cut  down  and  drawn  from  the  forest,  and  the  house 
rebuilt  and  put  in  complete  readiness  for  the  reception  of  the  family  in  the 
space  of  fifteen  days  !  Schuyler,  however,  had  the  assistance  of  the  entire 
army  of  Gates  for  this  purpose.  Tliis  fact  was  related  to  the  author  by 
Mr.  Strover,  who  now  owns  and  occupies  the  house,  and  who  also  was  in 
Gates's  army. 


Meai 
suit  at  r 
high  gr( 
noon. 
Fort  E( 
army  w 
to  prote 
he  orde 
cross  th 
fog  whi 
sunrise, 
general 
position 
thickets 
also  by 
At  earb 


IT  up  his 
merely 
issing  ;i 
lincl  his 
cturncd 
is  cor- 
illowing 
^Itcr  of 
Ic  barns 
light  he 
,  out  of 

!'owing 
lericans 
,  on  the 

its  this  by 
nignc  and 

cneral  to 
liblanque's 

ce  which 

I  contrary, 

louse,  the 

/hich,  in 

Jchuyler, 
[urgoyne, 
le  house 
ly  in  the 
lie  entire 
Ithor  by 
was   in 


Campaign  of  General  John  B urgoyne.        89 

opposite  side  of  the  Hudson  ;  and  Burgoyne,  considering 
it  too  i^azardous  to  attempt  the  passage  of  the  river, 
ordered  the  army  to  occupy  the  same  quarters  on 
the  heights  of  Saratoga,  which  they  had  used  on  first 
crossing  the  river  on  the  13th  of  September.  At  the 
same  time,  he  sent  ahead  a  working  party  to  open  a 
road  to  Fort  Edward,  his  intention  being  to  continue  his 
retreat  along  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson  river  to  the 
front  of  that  fort,  force  a  passage  across  and  take  pos- 
session of  the  post.  Col.  Cochran,  however,  had 
already  garrisoned  it  with  two  hundred  men,  and  the 
detachment  hastly  fell  back  upon  the  camp. 

XI. 

Meanwhile,  General  Gates,  who  had  begun  the  pur- 
suit at  noon  of  the  lOth  with  his  main  army,  reached  the 
high  ground  south  of  Fish  creek,  at  four  the  same  after- 
noon.  The  departure  of  Burgoyne's  working  party  for 
Fort  Edward  led  him  to  believe  that  the  entire  British 
army  were  in  full  retreat  having  left  only  a  small  guard 
to  protect  their  baggage.  Acting  upon  this  impression, 
he  ordered  Nixon  and  Glover,  with  their  brigades,  to 
cross  the  creek  early  next  morning,  under  cover  of  the 
fog  which  at  this  time  of  year  usually  prevails  till  after 
sunrise,  and  attack  the  British  camp.  The  English 
general  had  notice  of  this  plan,  and  placing  a  battery  in 
position,  he  posted  his  troops  in  ambush  behind  the 
thickets  along  the  banks  of  the  creek ;  and  concealed 
also  by  the  fog,  waited  the  attack  confident  of  victory. 
At  early  daylight,  Morgan,  who  had  again  been  selected 


JO        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


\  \ 


to  begin  the  action,  crossed  the  creek  with  his  men,  on 
a  raft  of  floating  logs,  and  falling  in  with  a  British 
picket,  was  fired  upon,  losing  a  lieutenant,  and  two 
privates.  This  led  him  to  believe  that  the  main  body 
of  the  enemy  had  not  moved,  in  which  case,  with  the 
creek  in  his  rear,  enveloped  by  a  dense  fog  and  unac- 
quainted with  the  ground,  he  felt  his  position  to  be  most 
critical.  Meanwhile,  the  whole  army  advanced  as  far  as 
the  south  bank  of  the  creek  and  halted.  Nixon,  how- 
ever, who  was  in  advance,  had  already  crossed  the  stream 
near  its  confluence  with  the  Hudson,  and  captured  a 
picket  of  sixty  men,  and  a  number  of  bateaux,  and 
Glover  was  preparing  to  follow  him,  when  a  deserter 
from  the  enemy  confirmed  the  suspicions  of  Morgan. 
This  was  corroborated  a  few  moments  afterward,  by 
the  capture  of  a  reconnoitering  party  of  thirty-five  men 
by  the  advanced  guard  under  Captain  Goodale  of  Put- 
nam's regiment,  who,  discerning  .them  through  the  fog 
just  as  he  neared  the  opposite  bank,  charged  and  took 
them  without  firing  a  gun.  Gates  was  at  this  time  at 
his  headquarters  a  mile  and  a  half  in  the  rear  ;  and  be- 
fore intelligence  could  be  sent  to  him,  the  fog  cleared 
up,  and  exposed  the  entire  British  army  under  arms. 
A  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  was  immediately 
opened  upon  Nixon's  brigade,  and  they  retreated  in  con- 
siderable disorder  across  the  creek. 

General  Learned  had,  in  the  meantime,  reached  Mor- 
gan's corps,  with  his  own  and  Patterson's  brigade,  and 
was  advancing  rapidly  to  the  attack,  in  obedience  to  a 
standing  order  issued  the  day  before  "  that  in  case  of  an 
attack  against   any  point,   whether    in    front,    flank   or 


rear,  tl 
ters." 
Burgoj 
have  h\ 
son  rej 
der  Nil 
to  retr( 
"Our 
the  stai 

In    t 
Gates's 
own  fat 
that  his 
turning 
right  ha 
enemy  ; 
pledge  I 
time  se^ 
consulta 
approve 
enemy, 
their  m( 
an  offici 
retreat. 

Had 
difficult 
the  brig 
cut  off, 
Americ 
less  difl 


len,  on 
British 
nd  two 
n  body 
/ith  the 
d  unac- 
)e  most 
s  far  as 
»,  how- 
:  stream 
tured  a 
IX,    and 
deserter 
'lorgan. 
ird,    by 
ve  men 
f  Put- 
he  fog 
d    took 
time  at 
nd  be- 
cleared 
arms, 
diately 
ncon- 

Mor- 

j,  and 

to  a 

of  an 

ik    or 


[ 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        9 1 

rear,  the  troops  are  to  fall  upon  the  enemy  at  all  quar- 
ters." He  had  arrived  within  two  hundred  yards  of 
Burgoyne's  battery,  and  in  a  few  moments  more,  would 
have  been  engaged  at  great  disadvantage,  when  Wilkin- 
son reached  him  with  the  news  that  the  right  wing  un- 
der Nixon  had  given  way,  and  that  it  would  be  prudent 
to  retreat  —  The  brave  old  general  hesitated  to  comply. 
"  Our  brethren,"  said  he, "  are  engaged  on  the  right,  and 
the  standing  order  is  to  attack." 

In  this  dilemma  Wilkinson  exclaimed  to  one  of 
Gates's  aides  standing  near,  "  Tell  the  general  that  his 
own  fame  and  the  interests  of  the  cause  are  at  hazard  j 
that  his  presence  is  necessary  with  the  troops."  Then 
turning  to  Learned,  he  continued,  "  our  troops  on  the 
right  have  retired,  and  the  fire  you  hear  is  from  the 
enemy  ;  although  I  have  no  orders  for  your  retreat,  I 
pledge  my  life  for  the  general's  approbation."  By  this 
time  several  field  officers  had  joined  the  group,  and  a 
consultation  being  held,  the  proposition  to  retreat  was 
approved.  Scarcely  had  they  turned  about  when  the 
enemy,  who,  expecting  their  advance  had  been  watching 
their  movements  with  shouldered  arms,  fired  and  killed 
an  officer  and  several  men  before  they  made  good  their 
retreat. 

Had  the  plan  of  the  English  general  succeeded,  it  is 
difficult  to  say  what  might  have  been  the  result.  With 
the  brigades  of  Nixon,  Glover,  Learned,  and  Patterson 
cut  off,  and  with  the  consequent  demoralization  of  the 
American  army,  his  retreat  would  have  been  rendered 
less  difficult,  or,  retracing  his  steps,  he  might    possibly 


i  't 


92        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

have  entered  Albany  in  triumph.  He  himself  called  it 
"  one  of  the  most  adverse  strokes  of  fortune  during  the 
campaign." 

The  ground  occupied  by  the  two  armies  after  this  en- 
gagement, resembled  a  vast  amphitheatre  —  the  Brit- 
ish occupying  the  arena,  and  the  Americans  the  ele- 
vated surroundings.  Burgoyne's  camp,  upon  the  mead- 
ows and  the  heights  of  Saratoga  north  of  Fish  creek, 
was  fortified  and  extended  half  a  mile  parallel  with  the 
river,  most  of  its  heavy  artillery  being  on  an  elevated 
plateau,  northeast  of  the  village  of  Schuylerville.  On 
the  American  side,  Morgan  and  his  sharpshooters  were 
posted  on  still  higher  ground  west  of  the  British,  extend- 
ing along  their  entire  rear.  On  the  east  or  opposite 
bank  of  the  Hudson,  Fellows,  with  three  thousand  men, 
was  strongly  entrenched  behind  heavy  batteries  ;  while 
Gates,  with  the  main  body  of  the  Continentals,  lay  on  the 
high  ground  south  of  Fish  creek  and  parallel  with  it.  On 
the  north.  Fort  Edward  was  held  by  Stark  with  two 
thousand  men,  and  between  that  post  and  Fort  George 
in  the  vicinity  of  Glen's  Falls,  the  Americans  had  a 
fortified  camp ;  while  from  the  surrounding  country, 
large  bodies  of  yeomanry  flocked  in,  and  voluntarily 
posted  themselves  up  and  down  the  river.  The  "trap" 
which  Riedesel  had  foreseen,  was  already  sprung. 

The  Americans,  impatient  of  delay,  urged  Gates  to  at- 
tack the  British  camp,  but  that  general,  now  assured 
that  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  was  only  a  question  of 
time,  and  unwilling  needlessly  to  sacrifice  his  men,  re- 
fused to  accede  to  their  wishes,  and  quietly  awaited 
the  course  of  events. 


Tl 

both 
posts 
cans  ;: 
com  ml 
taken 
use  to 
troops 
posts 
positio 
prospei 
for  the 
horses 
and  bul 
for  foui 
that  CO 
binding 
scene  < 
aside  hi 
for  the 
thrown 
close  tc 
of  his  li 
sharpsh 
he  was 
the  wa 
what  c( 
with  th 


called  it 
ling  the 

this  en- 
he   Brit- 
the  ele- 
le  mead- 
1  creek, 
with  the 
elevated 
e.      On 
ers  wcie 
,  extend- 
opposite 
nd  men, 
;   while 
ly  on  the 
1  it.   On 
ith   two 
George 
s  had  a 
:ountry, 
|untarily 
"trap" 

;s  to  at- 
I  assured 
jtion  of 
len,  re- 
iwaited 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        93 


XII. 

The  beleaguered  army  was  now  constantly  under  fire 
both  in  its  flanks  and  rear  and  in  the  front.  The  out- 
posts were  continually  engaged  with  those  of  the  Ameri- 
cans j  and  many  of  the  patrols,  detached  to  keep  up 
communication  between  the  centre  and  right  wing,  were 
taken  prisoners.  The  captured  bateaux  were  of  great 
use  to  the  Americans  who  were  now  enabled  to  transport 
troops  across  the  river  at  pleasure  and  reinforce  the 
posts  on  the  road  to  Fort  Edward.  Every  hour  the 
position  of  the  British  grew  more  desperate,  and  the 
prospect  of  escape  less.  There  was  no  place  of  safety 
for  the  baggage,  and  the  ground  was  covered  with  dead 
horses  that  had  been  killed  by  the  enemy's  round  shot 
and  bullets,  or  by  exhaustion,  as  there  had  been  no  forage 
for  four  days.  Even  for  the  wounded  there  was  no  spot 
that  could  afford  a  safe  shelter,  while  the  surgeon  was 
binding  up  their  wounds.  The  whole  camp  became  a 
scene  of  constant  fighting.  The  soldier  dare  not  lay 
aside  his  arms  night  or  day,  except  to  exchange  his  gun 
for  the  spade,  when  new  entrenchments  were  to  be 
thrown  up.  He  was  also  debarred  of  water  although 
close  to  Fish  creek  and  the  river,  it  being  at  the  hazard 
of  his  life  in  the  day  time  to  get  any,  from  the  number  of 
sharpshooters  Morgan  had  posted  in  trees  :  and  at  night 
he  was  sure  to  be  taken  prisoner  if  he  attempted  it.  All 
the  water  accessible  was  from  a  muddy  spring,  and 
what  could  be  obtained  out  of  the  holes  the  cattle  made 
with  their  feetj  while  by  way  of  luxury,  when  it  rained 

9 


94        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


hard,  the  men  used  to  catch  it  in  their  caps  to  mix  with 
their  flour.  Without  tents  to  shelter  them  from  the 
heavy  and  incessant  rains,  the  sick  and  wounded  would 
drag  themselves  along  into  a  quiet  corner  of  the  woods 
and  lie  down  and  die  upon  the  damp  ground.  Nor 
were  they  safe  even  here,  since,  every  little  while,  a  ball 
would  come  crashing  down  among  the  trees.  The  few 
houses  that  were  at  the  foot  of  the  heights  were  nearest 
to  the  fire  from  Fellows's  batteries,  notwithstanding  which 
the  wounded  officers  and  men  crawled  hither,  seeking 
protection  in  the  cellars.  In  one  of  these  cellars  the 
Baroness  Riedesel  ministered  to  the  sufferers  like  an 
angel  of  light  and  comfort.  She  made  them  broth, 
dressed  their  wounds,  purified  the  atmosphere  by  sprink- 
ling vinegar  on  hot  coals,  and  was  ever  ready  to  perform 
any  friendly  service,  even  such  from  which  the  sensitive 
nature  of  a  woman  will  recoil.  Once,  while  thus  en- 
gaged, a  furious  cannonade  was  opened  upon  the  house 
under  the  impression  that  it  was  the  headquarters  of  the 
English  commander.  "Alas,"  says  Mrs.  Riedesel,  "  it 
harbored  none  but  wounded  men  and  women."  Eleven 
cannon  balls  went  through  the  house,  and  those  in  the 
cellar  could  plainly  hear  them  crashing  through  the  walls 
over  head.  One  poor  fellow,  by  the  name  of  Jones,  a 
British  surgeon  whose  leg  they  were  about  to  amputate 
in  the  room  above,  had  his  other  leg  taken  off  by  one  of 
these  cannon  balls  in  :^e  very  midst  of  the  operation. 
Often  General  Riedesel  wished  to  withdraw  his  wife 
from  danger  by  sending  her  to  the  American  camp,  but 
the  latter  remonstrated  with  him  on  the  ground  that  to 
be  with  people  whom  she  would  be  obliged  to  treat  with 


nix  with 
rom  the 
d  would 
e  woods 
L  Nor 
e,  a  ball 
rhe  few 
I  nearest 
ig  which 

seeking 
liars   the 

like  an 
1  broth, 
r  sprink- 
perform 
sensitive 
bus  en- 
le  bouse 

s  of  the 
sel,  "  it 

Eleven 
in  the 

le  walls 

[ones,  a 
tputate 
one  of 

jration, 

lis  wife 

ip,  but 
that  to 

lat  with 


Present  (1877;  appearance  of  the  house,  in  the  cellar  of  which 
Mrs.  Riedesel  stayed  during  the  cannonade. 


The  Cellar. 


g6        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


courtesy,  while,  perhaps,  he  was  being  killed,  would  be 
even  vet  more  painful  than  all  she  was  then  forced  to 
suffer.  The  greatest  suffering  was  experienced  by  the 
wounded  from  thirst,  which  was  not  relieved  until  a  sol- 
dier's wife  volunteered  to  bring  water  from  the  river. 
This  she  continued  to  do  with  safety,  the  Americans 
gallantly  withholding  their  fire  whenever  she  appeared. 

Meanwhile,  order  grew  more  and  more  lax,  and  the 
greatest  misery  prevailed  throughout  the   entire  army. 
The    commissaries    neglected    to    distribute    provisions 
among  the  troops,  and  although  there  were   cattle  still 
left,  not  one  had  been  killed.      More  than  thirty  officers 
came  to  the  baroness  for  food,  forced  to  this  step  from 
sh'^^er    starvation,    one   of  them  a    Canadian,  being  so 
weak  as  to  be  unable  to  stand.     She  divided  among  them 
all  the  provisions  at  hand  ;  and  having  exhausted  her  store 
without  satisfying  them,  in  an  agony  of  despair,  she  called 
to   Adjutant    General    Petersham,    one    of   Burgoyne's 
aides,  who  chanced  to  be  passing  at  the  time,  and  said  to 
him    passionately,   "  Come  and   see   for    yourself  these 
officers  who  have  been  wounded  in  the  common  cause, 
and  are  now  in  want  of  everything   that  is  due  them. 
It  is  your   duty  to   make  a  representation  of  this  to  the 
general."     A  quarter  of  an  hour  afterward,  Burgoyne, 
himself,  came  to  Mrs.  Riedesel,  ^nd  thanked  her  for  re- 
minding him  of  his  duty.     In  reply,  she  apologized  for 
meddling  with  things,   she  well  knew,  were   out   of  a 
woman's  province ;  still,  it  was  impossible,  she  said,  for  her 
to  keep  silent,  when  she  saw  so  many  brave  men  in  want 
of  food,  and  had  nothing  more  to  give  them.     "  There- 


one  of 
"I. 
the  ene 


cc 


C( 


2. 


3- 

moves, 

the  ford 

4- 

baggage 

the  pass 
the  pasj 

"5- 

leave  tli 

The 
inadmis! 
bers  of ; 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,        97 


ould  be 
reed  to 

by  the 
il  a  sol- 
e  river, 
lericans 
eared, 
and  the 
J  army, 
ovisions 
ttle  still 

officers 
ep  from 
)eing  so 
ng  them 


upon,"  says  the  baroness,  "  he  thanked  me  once  more 
(though  I  believe  .n  his  heart,  he  has  never  forgiven  me 
the  lashing  I  gave  him),  and  went  from  me  to  the  officers, 
and  said  to  them  that  he  was  very  sorry  for  w'aat  had 
happened  and  that  he  had  now,  through  an  order,  remedied 
everything,  but  why  had  they  not  come  to  him,  as  his 
cook  was  always  at  their  service  ?  "  They  replied,  that 
English  officers  were  not  accustomed  to  visit  the  kitchen 
of  their  general,  and  that  they  had  "  gratefully  received 
every  morsel  from  Mrs.  Riedesel  as  they  felt  that  she 
gave  it  to  them  directly  from  her  heart." 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  12th,  Burgoyne  held  a  con- 
sultation with  Riedesel,  Phillips,  and  the  two  brigadiers, 
Hamilton  and  Gall,  to  whom  he  submitted  the  choice  of 
one  of  the  following  courses  : 

"  I.  To  wait  in  the  present  position  an  attack  from 
the  enemy,  or  the  chance  of  favorable  events. 

2.  To  attack  the  enemy. 

3.  To  retreat,  repairing  the  bridges  as  the  army 
moves,  for  the  artillery,  in  order  to  force  the  passage  of 
the  ford. 

"4.  To  retreat  by  night,  leaving  the  artillery  and  the 
baggage  ;  and  should  it  be  found  impracticable  to  force 
the  passage  with  musketry,  to  attempt  the  upper  ford  or 
the  passage  round  Lake  George. 

"5.  In  case  the  enemy,  by  extending  to  their  left, 
leave  their  rear  open,  to  march  rapidly  upon  Albany." 

The  want  of  provisions  rendered  the  first  proposition 
inadmissible  ;  while  to  break  through  the  superior  num- 
bers of  an  enemy  strongly  posted  and  entrenched  in  every 


98        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


point  was  desperate  and  hopeless.  In  view  of  this, 
Riedesel  strong^ly  urged  the  adoption  of  the  fourth  pro- 
position, and  suggested,  that  the  baggage  should  be 
left  and  a  retreat  begun  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Hudson;  end,  a<?  Fort  Edward  had  been  reinforced  by 
a  strong  deiichment  of  the  Americans,  he  further  pro- 
posed to  crors  the  river  four  miles  above  that  fort 
and  continue  the  march  to  Ticonderoga  through  the 
woods,  leaving  Lake  George  on  the  right  —  a  plan 
which  was  then  feasible,  as  the  road  on  the  west  bank 
of  the  river  had  not  yet  been  occupied  by  the  enemy. 
This  proposition  was  approved,  and  an  order  was  issued 
that  the  retreat  should  be  begun  by  ten  o'clock  that 
night  But  when  everything  vv^as  in  readiness  for  the 
march,  Burgoyne,  with  his  usual  indecision,  suddenly 
changed  his  mind  and  postponed  the  movement  until  the 
next  day,  when  an  unexpected  maneuver  of  the  Ameri- 
cans made  it  impossible.  During  the  night,  the  latter, 
crossing  the  river  on  rafts  near  the  Batten  kil,^  erected 
a  heavy  battery  on  an  eminence  opposite  the  mouth  or 
that  stream  and  on  the  left  flank  of  the  army,  thus  mak- 
ing the  investment  complete.^ 

Burgoyne  was  now  entirely  surrounded  ;  the  desertion 


*  The  Dutch  word  kily  meaning  a  channel^  is  often  used  for  creeky  and 
always  erroneously  printed  kill.  It  is  not  unusual  to  meet  in  American 
works  with  such  an  anomaly  for  instance  as  Batten  kill  creek. 

^  The  fact  of  the  erection  of  this  battery  seems  to  have  escaped  the  notice 
of  almost  every  writer  upon  the  subject.  The  planting  of  it,  however,  was 
as  is  shown  in  the  text,  of  vital  importance  to  the  complete  success  of  the 
Americans. 


of  his 
in  kill! 
there 
word 
the   I 
officer: 
cil  wei 
should 
honoral 

» In  ju 

desertion 

'n  their  s 

the  Englii 

in  parliarr 

but  used  1 

first  streni 

See  Fonbl; 

The  des 

connectior 

towards  V( 

address  be 

goyne  had 

ties  they  i 

should  hav« 

upon  the  c 

Many  o 

desert,  and 

is  yet  stand 

at  Chester 

Burgoyne's 

built  in  17 

attest.     M 

tastes  are  \ 

and  preserv 


of  this, 
jrth  pro- 
dould  be 

of  the 
Dreed  by 
ther  pro- 
that  fort 
)ugh  the 
-  a  plan 
'est  bank 
:  enemy, 
as  issued 
ock  that 
s  for  the 
suddenly 
until  the 

Ameri- 
latter, 

erected 
nouth  of 
us  mak- 

lesertion 

creeky  and 
American 

Ithe  notice 

/ever,  was 

less  of  the 


le 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.        99 

of  his  German,  Indian  and  Canadian  allies,^  and  the  losses 
in  killed  and  wounded  had  reduced  his  army  one-half; 
there  was  not  food  sufficient  for  five  days  -,  and  not  a 
word  had  been  received  from  Clinton.  Accordingly,  on 
the  13th,  he  again  called  a  general  council  of  all  his 
officers  including  the  captains  of  companies.  The  coun- 
cil were  not  long  in  deciding,  unanimously,  that  a  treaty 
should  be  at  once  opened  with  Genoial  Gates  for  an 
honorable  surrender — their  deliberations  beino;  doubtless 


*  In  justice  to  Burgoyne  it  should  he  .  ^ated,  that  the  chief  cause  of  the 
desertion  of  his  Indian  allies  was  the  fact,  that  they  were  checked  by  him 
'n  their  scalping  and  plundering  of  the  unarmed.  Indeed,  the  conduct  of 
the  English  general  was  in  this  respect  most  humane.  He  said  with  truth 
in  parliament,  that  in  threatening  to  let  loose  his  Indians  "  he  spoke  daggers 
but  used  none  j  "  and  yet  with  strange  inconsistency,  he  was  among  the 
first  strenuously  to  urge  the  employment  of  the  Indians  against  the  colonists. 
See  Fonblanque's  work,  p.  178. 

The  desertion  of  the  Canadians,  howcer,  had  a  different  cause.  In  this 
connection,  and  to  show  the  everlasting  jealousy  of  professional  soldiers 
towards  volunteers,  however  deserving,  consult  Edward  De  Lancey  in  his 
address  before  the  N.  Y.  His.  Soc,  Jan.  2d,  1877,  and  note  how  Bur- 
goyne had  to  allow  his  provincial  officers  and  men  to  escape  to  avoid  penal- 
ties they  incurred  if  captured,  because  not  commissioned,  although  they 
should  have  been  commissioned,  accordi.g  to  agreement,  before  they  entered  • 
upon  the  campaign. 

Many  of  the  Germans,  also,  availed  themselves  of  this  opportunity  to 
desert,  and  settle  good  farms  in  the  northern  portion  of  New  York.  There 
is  yet  standing  (1877)  near  Hon.  John  B.  Haskin's  place  on  Friend's  lake, 
at  Chestertown,  Warren  Co.,  N.  Y.,  the  cabm  of  a  German  deserter  from 
Burgoyne's  army,  who  settled  there  in  the  fall  of  1777.  The  cabin  was 
built  in  1783,  as  the  figures  cut  into  the  stone  lintel  above  the  fire-place 
attest.  Mr.  Charles  H.  Faxon,  of  Chestertown,  a  gentleman  whose  patriotic 
tastes  are  well  known,  did  his  best  to  have  this  cabin  bought  by  the  state 
and  preserved  as  an  heirloom  for  the  country. 


'*)• 


loo      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

hastened  by  rifle  balls,  perforating  the  tent  in  which  they 
were  assembled,  and  an  eighteen  pound  cannon  ball 
sweeping  across  the  table  at  which  Burgoyne  and  his 
generals  were  seated. 

Accordingly,  the  following  day,  the  14th,  General 
Burgoyne  sent  Lieut.  Col.  Kingston  to  the  headquarters 
of  General  Gates  with  a  proposition  for  "  a  cessation  of 
arms,  during  the  .time  necessary  to  communicate  the  pre- 
liminary terms  ;  by  which  in  any  extremity  he  and  the 
army  mean  to  abide."  Lieut.  Col.  Kingston  was  met 
by  Adj.  Gen.  Wilkinson  on  the  banks  of  Fish  creek, 
and  conducted  blindfolded  to  the  American  head- 
quarters.^ 


^  "  At  the  hour  appointed  I  repaired  to  the  advanced  post,  accompanied  by 
Mr.  Henry  Livingston,  of  the  Upper  Manor  on  the  Hudsu.i's  river.  The 
bridge  across  the  Fisli  kil  had  been  destroyed,  but  the  sleepers  remained. 
We  did  not  wait  many  minutes  before  the  chamade  was  beat  at  the  advanced 
guard  of  the  enemy,  and  an  officer  descending  the  hill,  stepped  across  the 
creek  on  one  of- the  sleepers  of  the  late  bridge;  it  was  *  Major  Kingston, 
with  a  message  from  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne  to  Major  General 
Gates.'  I  named  to  him  *  Colonel  Wilkinson,  on  the  part  of  General 
Gates,  to  receive  the  message.'  He  paused  a  moment,  pulled  out  a  paper, 
looked  at  it,  and  observed,  '  my  orders  direct  me  to  Major-General  Gates.' 
*  It  is  to  save  time  and  trouble  that  lam  authorized  to  receive  the  message 
you  bear,'  He  then  took  General  Gates's  note  to  General  Burgoyne  from 
his  pocket,  read  it,  and  said  '  General  Gates  has  agreed  to  receive  the 
message,  and  I  am  not  authorized  to  deliver  it  to  any  other  person.'  *  Well 
then,  sir,  you  must  submit  to  be  hood-winked.'  He  affected  to  start  at 
the  proposition,  arvd  objected,  on  the  ground  of  its  being  an  indignity :  I 
could  but  smile  at  the  expression,  and  observed,  that  '  I  had  understood 
there  was  nothing  more  common,  than  to  blindfold  military  messengers, 
when  they  were  admitted  within  the  walls  of  a  place,  or  the  guards  of  a 
camp.'     He  replied,  *  Well,  sir,  I    will  submit  to  it,  but  under  the  express 


GenI 

tion, 
having 
which 
Kingst( 
AmericI 
of  the 
liberalit] 
returnecl 
Col.  K 
verbal  r 
"If( 
6th  artic 
a  man, 
submit  t 

stipulation, 
carefully  bo 
and  in  this 
Kingston  a 
some  man, 
of  the  Hudi 
him  into  G 
other  fami! 
how  do  yoi 
he  arose  a 
General  Ga 
inaccuracy 
mission  woi 
from  his  po 


e, 

hich  they 
inon  ball 
:   and  his 

General 
dquarters 
ssation  of 
e  the  pre- 
;  and  the 
was  met 
sh  creek, 
in     head- 


ompanied  by 

river.     The 

remained. 

le  advanced 

across  the 

Kingston, 

jor  General 

of  General 

jut  a  paper, 

ral  Gates.' 

le  message 

oyne  from 

eceive   the 

*  Well 

to  start  at 

dignity  :  I 

nderstood 

essengers, 

uards  of  a 

he  express 


n 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      loi 

General  Gates,  upon  the  reception  of  this  communica- 
tion, authorized  a  cessation  of  arms  until  sunset,  and 
having  already  prepared  a  schedule  of  the  terms  upon 
which  he  was  prepared  to  treat,  forwarded  them  by 
Kingston  to  Burgoyne.  This  schedule  evinced  that  the 
American  general  was  well  acquainted  with  the  distresses 
of  the  British,  and  was  drawn  up  in  terms  of  extreme 
liberality.  It  did  not,  however,  satisfy  Burgoyne,  who 
returned  it  with  the  following  answers  annexed  —  Lieut. 
Col.  Kingston,  who  delivered  it,  adding  the  following 
verbal  message. 

"  If  General  Gates  does  not  mean  to  recede  from  the 
6th  article,  the  treaty  ends  at  once.  The  army  will,  to 
a  man,  proceed  to  any  act  of  desperation  rather  than 
submit  to  that  article." 


stipulation,  that  no  indignity  is  intended  to  the  British  arms.'  I  then 
carefully  bound  up  his  eyes  with  his  own  handkerchief}  he  took  my  arm, 
and  in  this  way  we  walked  upwards  of  a  mile  to  head-quarters.  Major 
Kingston  appeared  to  be  about  forty;  he  was  a  well  formed,  ruddy,  hand- 
some man,  and  expatiated  with  taste  and  eloquence  on  the  beautiful  scenery 
of  the  Hudson's  river,  and  the  charms  of  the  season:  when  I  introduced 
him  into  General  Gates's  tent,  and  named  him,  the  gentlemen  saluted  each 
other  familiarly,  with  *  General  Gates,  your  servant,' — *  Ah  !  Kingston, 
how  do  you  do  ?'  and  a  shake  of  the  hand.  Being  seated  a  few  minutes, 
he  arose  and  observed  he  had  certain  communications  to  make  Major 
General  Gates  from  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne,  and  to  guard  against 
inaccuracy  of  memory,  he  had  committed  them  to  paper,  and  with  per- 
mission world  read  them.  The  general  consented,  and  the  major  took 
from  his  pocket  and  read." 


103.       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Major  General  Gates's  Proposals,  together  with 
Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne's  Answers. 


i(|: 


PROPOSITION. 

I, —  General     Burgoyne's 
army    being    reduced   by    re- 
peated defeats,  by  desertion, 
sickness,    etc.,    their    provi- 
sions exhausted,  their    mili- 
tary horses,  tents  and  baggage 
taken  or  destroyed,  their  re- 
treat cut  ofF,  and  their  camp 
invested,  they  can    only  be 
allowed  to  surrender  as  pri- 
soners of  war. 

II. —  The  officers  and  sol- 
diers may  keep  the  baggage 
belonging  to  them.  The 
generals  of  the  United  States 
never  permit  individuals  to 
be  pillaged. 

III. — The  troops,  under 
his  Excellency  General  Bur- 
goyne will  be  conducted  by 
the  most  convenient  route 
to  New  England,  marching 
by  easy  marches,  and  suffi- 
ciently provided  for  by  the 
way. 

IV. —  The  officers  will  be 


JNSWER. 

Lieut.- General  Bur- 
goyne's army,  however 
reduced,  will  never  admit 
that  their  retreat  is  cut 
off  while  they  have  arms 
in  their  hands. 


Noted. 


Agreed. 


There  being  no  officer 


admitt( 
be  treai 
custom! 
long  aj 
havior, 
it,  but 
hended 
parole,; 
have  dol 
close  CO 

v.— 

tillery, 
carriage* 
must  be 
missaries 
them. 

VI.— 
agreed  t 
troops  un 
General 
mand,  m 
their  er 
they  wi 
ground  t 
thereupo 
river  sid 
Benningt 

Accon 
from  Bu 
ing  answ 


u. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      103 


^ER  WITF1 
WERS. 

VER 

ral  Bur- 
however 
:ver  admit 
;at  is  cut 
have  arms 


in  this  army  under,  or 
capable  of  being  under, 
the  description  of  break- 
ing parole,  this  article 
needs  no  answer. 


All  public  stores  may 
be  delivered,  arms  ex- 
cepted. 


officer 


admitted  on  parole,  and  will 
be  treated  with  the  liberality 
customary  in  such  cases,  so 
long  as  they,  by  proper  be- 
havior, continue  to  deserve 
it,  but  those  who  are  appre- 
hended having  broke  their 
parole,  as  some  British  officers 
have  done,  must  expect  to  be 
close  confined. 

V. —  All  public  stores,  ar- 
tillery, arms,  ammunition, 
carriages,  horses,  etc.,  etc., 
must  be  delivered  to  com- 
missaries appointed  to  receive 
them. 

VI. —  These  terms  being 
agreed  to  and  signed,  the 
troops  under  hisExcellency 's, 
Gfjneral  Burgoyne's  com- 
mand, may  be  drawn  up  in 
their  encampments,  where 
they  will  be  ordered  to 
ground  their  arms,  and  may 
thereupon  be  marched  to  the 
river  side  on  their  way  to 
Bennington. 

Accompanying  this  document  were  counter-proposals 
from  Burgoyne,  which  Gates  returned  with  the  follow- 
ing answers  affixed  : 


This  article  is  inadmis- 
sible in  any  extremity. 
Sooner  than  this  army 
will  consent  to  ground 
their  arms  in  their  encamp- 
ments, they  will  rush  on 
the  enemy  determined  to 
take  no  quarter. 


i.«:.aKia& 


104      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

General  Burgoyne*s  Preliminary  Articles,  with 
General  Gates's  Answers. 

The  annexed  answers 
being  given  to  Major  Gene- 
ral Gates's  proposals,  it  re- 
mains for  Lieutenant  General 
Burgoyne,  and  the  army 
under  his  command,  to  state 
the  following  preliminary 
articles  on  their  part. 

I. — The  troops  to  march 
out  of  their  camp  with  the 
honors  of  war,  and  the  artil- 
lery of  the  intrenchments, 
which  will  be  left  as  here- 
after, may  be  regulated. 


TI. —  A  free  passage  to 
be  granted  to  this  army  to 
Great  Britain  upon  condition 
of  not  serving  again  in  North 
America  dining  the  present 
contest,  and  a  proper  post  to 
be  assigned  for  the  entry  of 
transports  to  receive  the 
troops,  whenever  General 
Howe  shall  so  order. 


I.  —  The  troops  to 
march  out  of  their  camp, 
with  the  honors  of  war,  and 
the  artillery  of  the  in- 
trenchments to  the  verge 
of  the  river,  where  the  old 
fort  stood,  where  their 
arms  and  the  artillery  must 
be  left. 

II.  —  Agreed  to,  for 
the  port  of  Boston. 


III. 

take  pi 
or  any 
change 
to  be  V 
change 

IV.- 
tain  th 
horses 
no  bag 
or  sear 
gei  eral 
there  i 
secretec 
Genera 
take  thi 
for  the  s 

V.- 
the  offi( 
separate 
and  in  < 
are  to  b< 
rank,  ar 
dered  fr 
men  foi 
other  ne 
regularit 

VI.- 
cotps  in 
of    sailo; 


le. 


,ES,  WITH 


roops     to 

leir  camp, 

if  war,  and 

f   the    in- 

the  verge 

re  the  old 

ere    their 

llerymust 


to,    for 


on. 


IV. —  Agreed. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      1 05 

III. —  Should    any    cartel  III. —  Agreed, 

takeplaceby  which  this  army  , 

or  any  part  of  it  may  be  ex- 
changed, the  foregoing  article 
to  be  void  as  far  as  such  ex- 
change shall  be  made. 

IV. —  All  officers  to  re- 
tain their  carriages,  battle- 
horses  and  other  cattle,  and 
no  baggage  to  be  molested 
or  searched,  the  lieutenant 
gei  eral  giving  his  honor  that 
there  are  no  public  stores 
secreted  therein.  Major 
General  Gates  will  of  course 
take  the  necessary  measures 
for  the  security  of  this  article. 

V.  —  Upon  the  march 
the  officers  are  not  to  be 
separated  from  their  men^ 
and  in  quarters  the  officers 
are  to  be  lodged  according  to 
rank,  and  are  not  to  be  hin- 
dered from  assembling  their 
men  for  roll  callings,  and 
other  necessary  purposes  of 
regularity. 

VI. — There  are  various 
corps  in  the  army  composed 
of    sailors,  bateauxmen,  ar- 


V.  —  Agreed  to  as 
far  as  circumstances  will 
admit. 


VI.  — Agreed     to    in 
the  fullest  extent. 


10 


io6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


tificers,  drivers,  independent 
companies,  and  followers  of 
the  army,  and  it  is  expected 
that  those  persons  of  what- 
ever country,  shall  be  in- 
cluded in  the  fullest  sense 
and  utmost  extent  of  the 
above  articles,  and  compre- 
hended  in  every  respect  as 
British  subjects. 

VII.  —  All  Canadians 
and  persons  belonging  to  the 
establishment  in  Canada,  to 
be  permitted  to  return  there, 

VIII. —  Passports  to  be 
immediately  granted  for  three 
officers,  not  exceeding  the 
rank  of  captain,  who  shall  be 
appointed  by  General  Bur- 
goyne  to  carry  despatches 
to  Sir  William  Howe,  Sir 
Guy  Carleton,  and  to  Great 
Britain  by  the  way  of  New 
York,  and  the  public  faith 
to  be  engaged  that  these  de- 
spatches are  not  to  be  opened. 

IX, —  The  foregoing  ar- 
ticles are  to  be  cons'  !ered 
only  as  preliminaries  for 
framing  a  treaty,  in  the  course 


VII. —  Agreed. 


VIII.— Agreed. 


IX.  —  The  capitula- 
tion to  be  finished  by  2 
o'clock  this  day,  and  the 
troops  march   from  their 


of  wl 
becoi 
for  w 
posed 
each  c 
port 
their  n 

X. 
Burgo 
uty  c 
ceive  i^ 
answer 
at  10  c 
The 
carried 
diate  r( 
*^The 
Burgoy 
thi)se  oi 
to,  the  J 
but  the 
cessaril3 
ing    exp 
before  i 
time  tha 
to  the 
Lieuten; 
officers 
General 
subordin 
may  be 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,       107 


rapitula- 

:d  by  2 

land  the 

>m  their 


of  which  others  may  arise  to     encampment  at  hve,  and 
be  considered  by  both  parties,     be  in  readiness    to  move 
for  which  purpose  it  is  pro-     towards    Boston    to-mor- 
posed,   that    two  officers  of     row  morning, 
each  army  shall  meet  and  re- 
port   their    deliberations    to 
their  respective  generals. 

X.  —  Lieutenant  General         X. —  Complied  with. 
Ijurgoyne  will  send   his  de- 
uty  adjutant-general  to  re- 
ceive Major  General  Gates^s 
answer,   to-morrow  morning  « 

at  10  o'clock. 

These  preliminary  articles  and  their  answers,  being 
carried  back  to  General  Burgoyne,  produced  an  imme- 
diate return  of  his  messenger  with  the  following  note : 
*^  The  first  preliminary  articles  of  Lieutenant  General 
Burgoyne's  proposals,  and  the  2d  and  the  3d,  and  4th  of 
those  of  Major  General  Gates,  of  yesterday,  being  agreed 
to,  the  formation  of  the  proposed  treaty  is  out  of  dispute  : 
but  the  several  subordinate  articles  and  regulations  ne- 
cessarily  springing  from  these  preliminaries,  and  requir- 
ing explanation,  and  precision,  between  the  parties, 
before  a  definite  treaty  can  be  safely  executed,  a  longer 
time  than  that  mentioned  by  General  Gates  in  his  answer 
to  the  ninth  article,  becomes  indispensably  necessary. 
Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne  is  willing  to  appoint  two 
officers  immediately,  to  meet  two  others  from  Major 
General  Gates,  to  propound,  discuss,  and  settle  those 
subordinate  articles,  in  order  that  the  treaty  in  due  form 
may  be  executed  as  soon  as  possible." 


o8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


This  meeting  took  place  on  the  afternoon  of  the  15th, 
and  the  parties  mutually  signed  articles  of  capitulation,  or 
Convention^  as  Burgoyne  wished  to  have  it  designated.  A 
copy  of  the  Convention  was  to  be  formally  signed  by  the 
English  general  and  delivered  the  next  morning.  Mean- 
while, during  the  night,  a  provincial  arrived  from  below, 
who  stated  that  he  had  heard  through  a  third  party  that 
Clinton  had  captured  the  forts  on  the  Hudson  highlands, 
and  arrived  at  -/Esopus  eight  days  previously  ;  and 
further,  that  by  this  time  he  was  very  likely  at  Albany. 
Burgoyne  was  so  encouraged  by  this  news,  that  he  once 
more  cabled  together  a  council  of  war  and  laid  before  it 
the  following  questions : 

1st.  Whether  a  treaty,  which  was  about  being  com- 
pleted by  his  deputies,  and  which  he  himself  had  pro- 
mised to  sign,  could  be  broken  ?  Fourteen  votes  against 
eight  decided  this  question  in  the  negative. 

2d.  Whether  the  report  of  a  man  whom  nobody  knew 
was  sufficient  in  our  present  situation  to  justify  our  re- 
fusal of  so  advantageous  a  treaty  ?  The  same  number 
of  votes  decided  this  also  in  the  negative. 

3d.  Whether  the  common  soldiers  possessed  sufficient 
spirit  to  defend  the  present  position  of  the  army  to  the 
last  man  ?  All  the  officers  of  the  left  wing  answered 
this  in  the  affirmative.  Those  of  the  centre  and  right 
wings  gave  a  similar  answer,  provided  the  enemy  were 
attacked ;  but  the  men  were  too  well  acquainted  with 
their  defective  positions  to  display  the  same  bravery  in 
case  they  were  themselves  attacked." 

But  notwithstanding  these  votes,   Burgoyne  was  re- 


solve 

to  re[ 

in  on 

had  b 

he  ha 

Albai 

(Burg 

convi 

by  at 

name 

the  nu 

hearin 

numbe 

treaty. 

siderat 

word  o 

was  pr< 

rein  for  ( 

the  Em 

those  ti 

and  at 

stand  V 

offered 

had  sigi 

thing   h 

no    mo( 

order  o 

17th,   a 

must    ei 

diate   hi 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      109 


le  15th, 
ition,  or 
ted.  A 
1  by  the 
Mean- 
I  below, 
irty  that 
ghlands, 
y  ;  and 
Albany, 
he  once 
before  it 

tig  com- 
liad  pro- 
s  against 

Idy  knew 
our  re- 
number 

lufficient 
to  the 
Inswered 
|nd  right 
ly  were 
led  with 
lavery  in 

was  re- 


solved, as  the  articles  of  capitulation  were  not  yet  signed, 
to  repudiate  the  informal  arrangement  with  Gates  ;  and 
in  order  to  gain  time  he  informed  him  by  letter  that  he 
had  been  told  by  deserters  and  other  reliable  persons  that 
he  had  sent  a  considerable  corps  of  his  army  toward 
Albany,  and  that  this  being  contrary  to  all  faith,  he 
(Burgoyne)  could  not  give  his  signature  without  being 
convinced  that  the  American  army  outnumbered  his  own 
by  at  least  three  or  four  to  one  ;  Gates  should  therefore 
name  an  officer  of  his  army  who  might  see  for  himself 
the  number  of  the  enemy ;  and  should  Burgoyne,  after 
hearing  this  officer's  report,  be  convinced  of  the  superior 
numbers  of  the  Americans,  he  would  at  once  sign  the 
treaty.  General  Gates  received  this  letter  with  con- 
siderable nonchalance^  but  replied  that  he  would  give  his 
word  of  honor  that  his  army  was  just  as  strong  now  as  it 
was  previous  to  the  treaty,  and  that  having  since  then  been 
reinforced  by  a  few  brigades,  it  certainly  did  outnumber, 
the  English  four  to  one,  and  this,  too,  without  counting 
those  troops  that  were  on  the  other  side  of  the  Hudson 
and  at  Half  Moon.  He  also  gave  Burgoyne  to  under- 
stand what  it  meant  to  break  his  word  of  honor,  and 
offered  to  show  his  whole  armv  to  him  after  the  latter 
had  signed  the  treaty,  when  he  would  find  that  every- 
thing he  had  stated  was  true.  Being,  moreover,  in 
no  mood  for  temporizing,  he  drew  up  his  troops  in 
order  of  battle  at  early  dawn  of  the  next  day,  the 
17th,  and  informed  Burgoyne  in  plain  terms,  that  he 
must  either  sign  the  treaty,  or  prepare  for  imme- 
diate  battle.     Riedesel  and  Phillips  added  their  persua- 


I J  o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


sions,  representing  to  him  that  the  news  just  received 
was  mere  hearsay,  but  even  if  it  were  true,  to  recede  now 
would  be  in  the  highest  degree  dishonorable.  Burgoyne 
thereupon  yielded  a  reluctant  assent,  and  the  articles  of 
capitulation  were  signed  at  nine  o'clock  the  same  morning.' 
These  articles  were  as  follows  : 

Articles  or  Convention  between  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne  and 

Major  General  Gates. 

1st.  "  The  troops  under  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne,  to  march  out  of 
their  camp  with  the  honors  of  war,  and  the  artillery  of  entrenchments,  to 
the  verge  of  the  river  where  the  old  fort  stood,  where  the  arms  and  artillery 
are  to  be  left  j  the  arms  to  be  piled  by  word  of  command  from  their  own 
officers. 

2d.  A  free  passage  to  be  granted  to  the  army  under  Lieutenant-General 
Burgoyne  to  Great  Britain,  on  condition  of  not  serving  again  in  North 
America  during  the  present  contest ;  and  the  port  of  Boston  is  assigned  for 
the  entry  of  transports  to  receive  the  troops,  whenever  General  Howe  shall 
so  order. 

3d.  Should  any  cartel  take  place,  by  which  the  army  under  General 
Burgoyne,  or  any  part  of  it,  may  be  exchanged,  the  foregoing  articles  to  be 
void  as  far  as  such  exchange  should  be  made. 


c 


*  The  army  of  General  Gates,  which  was  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson, 
was  formed  in  three  lines.  Three  officers  of  the  royal  army  (among  them 
Captain  Twiss  of  the  engineers),  having  received  orders  from  Burgoyne  to 
count  the  troops  of  the  enemy,  found  them  to  number  between  13,000  and 
14,000  men.  Subsequently,  Gates  handed  Burgoyne  the  official  list  of  the 
men  in  his  army.  The  American  troops  on  the  other  side  of  the  Hudson 
were  not  counted.  These  consisted  chieHy  of  militia  from  the  surrounding 
townships  of  New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut. 

This  estimate  includes  only  the  number  contained  in  the  immediate  camp 
and  lines  of  Gates  as  seen  by  the  three  officers  in  passing  through  them. 
The  exact  number  of  Gates's  army  —  not  counting  the  troops  on  the  other 
blue  of  the  Hudson  —  was  22,350  men.  This  appears  by  the  official  list 
sent  by  Gates  himself  to  Burgoyne.  Counting  those  ">n  the  other  or  east 
side  of  the  river,  the  American  army  must  have  '  ^en  at  kist  35,000. 


4th. 
chusett 
be  cjuarl 
march 
to  rccei 
5th. 
quarters 
as  the  ti 
cattle  ar 

6th. 
and  no 
giving  h 
General 
formanci 
for  theti 

7th. 
quarters 
will  adm 
according 
for  roll-c; 
8th.  I 
of  sailor! 
followers 
as  British 
9th.   A 
consisting 
panics,  ar 
descriptio: 
immediat 
are  to  be 
are  to  be 
contest  in 

loth. 
the  rank 
goyne,  to 
Great  Bri 
the  public 
are  to  set 
the  shorte 


received 
ede  now 
(urgoyne 
rticles  of 
lorning.^ 

CJOYNE    AND 

arch  out  of 
chments,  to 
ind  artillery 
n  their  own 

int-General 
n  in  North 
assigned  for 
Howe  shall 

er   General 
tides  to  be 


he  Hudson, 

■nong  them 

urgoyne  to 

3,000  and 

list  of  the 

le  Hudson 

urrounding 

;diate  camp 
igh  them, 
the  other 
official  list 
her  or  eabt 
;,ooo. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


1 1 1 


4th.  The  army  under  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne,  to  march  to  Massa- 
chusetts bay,  by  the  easiest,  most  expeditious,  and  convenient  route,  and 
be  quartered  in,  near,  or  as  convenient  as  possible  to  Boston,  that  the 
march  of  the  troops  may  not  be  delayed,  when  the  transports  shall  arrive 
to  receive  them. 

5th.  The  troops  to  be  supplied  on  their  march,  and  during  their  being  in 
quarters,  with  provisions  by  Gen.  Gates's  orders,  at  the  same  rate  of  rations 
as  the  troops  of  his  own  army;  and  if  possible,  the  officers'  horses  and 
cattle  are  to  be  supplied  with  forage  at  the  usual  rates. 

6th.  All  officers  to  retain  their  carriages,  battle-horses,  and  other  cattle, 
and  no  baggage  to  be  molested  or  searched  ;  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne 
giving  his  honor  that  there  are  no  public  stores  secreted  therein.  Major 
General  Gates  will  of  course  take  the  necessary  measures  for  the  due  per- 
formance of  this  article.  Should  any  carriages  be  wanted  during  the  march 
for  the  transportation  of  officers'  baggage,  they  are,  if  possible,  to  be  supplied. 

7th.  Upon  the  march,  and  during  the  time  the  army  shall  remain  in 
quarters  in  Massachusetts  bay,  the  officers  are  not,  as  far  as  circumstances 
will  admit,  to  be  separated  from  their  men.  The  officers  are  to  be  quartered 
according  to  rank,  and  are  not  to  be  hindered  from  assembling  their  men 
for  roll-call,  and  the  necessary  purposes  of  regularity. 

8th.  All  corps  whatever  of  General  Burgoyne's  army  whether  composed 
of  sailors,  bateaux  men,  artificers,  drivers,  independent  companies,  and 
followers  of  the  army  of  whatever  country,  shall  be  included  in  every  respect 
as  British  subjects. 

9th.  All  Canadians,  and  persons  belonging  to  the  Canadian  establishment 
consisting  of  sailors,  bateaux  men,  artificers,  drivers,  independent  com- 
panies, and  many  other  followers  of  the  army,  who  come  under  no  particular 
description,  are  to  be  permitted  to  return  there  ;  they  are  to  be  conducted, 
immediately  by  the  shortest  route  to  the  first  British  post  on  Lake  George, 
are  to  be  supplied  with  provisions  in  the  same  manner  as  the  other  troops, 
are  to  be  bound  by  the  same  condition  of  not  serving  during  the  present 
contest  in  North  America. 

loth.  Passports  to  be  immediately  granted  for  three  officers  not  exceeding 
the  rank  of  captains,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  Lieutenant  General  Bur- 
goyne, to  carry  despatches  to  Sir  William  Howe,  Sir  Guy  Carleton,  and  to 
Great  Britain  by  the  way  of  New  York;  and  Maj.  General  Gates  engages 
the  public  faith,  that  these  despatches  shall  not  be  opened.  These  officers 
are  to  set  out  immediately  after  receiving  their  despatches,  nnd  are  to  travel 
the  shortest  route,  and  in  the  most  expeduious  manner. 


112 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


nth.  During  the  stay  of  the  troops  in  Massachusetts  bay,  the  officers  are 
to  be  admitted  on  parole,  and  are  to  be  allowed  to  wear  their  side  arms. 

1 2th.  Should  the  army  under  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne  find  it 
necessary  to  send  for  their  clothing  and  other  baggage  to  Canada,  they  are 
to  be  permitted  to  do  it  in  the  most  convenient  manner,  and  the  necessary 
passports  granted  for  that  purpose. 

13th.  These  articles  are  to  be  mutually  signed  and  exchanged  to-morrow 
morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  and  the  troops  under  Lieutenant  General  Bur- 
goyne, are  to  march  out  of   their  entrenchments  at  three  o'clock   in  the 

afternoon. 

(Signed)  Horatio  Gates,  Tl/d/'.  Gen. 

(Signed)  J.  Burgoyne,  Lieut.  Gen. 

Saratoga  J  Oct.  16,  1777. 

To  .prevent  any  doubts  that    might  arise  from    Lieutenuiit  General  Bur- 

goyne's  name    not   being   mentioned    in   the   above   treaty,  Major  General 

Gates  hereby    declares  that  he  is  understood   to  be  comprehended  in  it,    as 

fully  as  if  his  name  had  been  specifically  mentioned. 

Horatio  Gates. 

The  second  clause  of  this  agreement  was  not  carried 
out  by  congress  ;  and  most  of  the  captured  army,  with 
the  exception  of  Burgoyne,  Riedesel,  Philips  and  Hamil- 
ton were  retained  as  prisoners  while  the  war  lastet' 

The  excuses  given  by  congress  for  this  lack  of  v^ith 
were  most  paltry  and  unworthy  of  a  body  representing  a 
great  cause.  The  remonstrances  to  General  Gates  and 
congress  remained  unnoticed  ;  and  although  Washington 
himself,  earnestly  urged  a  fulfillment  of  the  pledge  in 
which  the  honor  of  congress  and  of  the  country  was  in- 
volved "  the  most  unworthy  counsels  prevailed.  When, 
for  instance,  it  was  proposed  that  the  embarcation  of  the 
troops  should  take  place  at  Newport,  R.  I.,  an  intention 
(perfectly  absurd)  was  imputed  to  General  Howe  of 
breaking  faith  by  causing  Burgoyne's  army  to  join  him 
in  New  York.  Again,  when  the  transports  were  des- 
patched to  Boston,  the   port  agreed   upon,  orders   were 


given 

accoui 

been  s 

refusec 

the  tin 

once 

graveh 

livered 

beginni 

indefini 

son  for 

that  m 

Americ 

success 

not  mo 

after  th 

seems  t 

congres 

quarter; 

take  pi 

of assur 

tional  c 

sonal  a 

gentlen: 

is  due, 

pose."* 

Phillips 

*  See  Li 

correspond 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      1 1 3 


;  officers  are 
de  arms, 
yne   find    it 
la,  they   are 
le  necessary 

i  to-morrow 
eneral  Bur- 
lock  in  the 

VLaj.  Geti. 
t.  Gen. 

jcneral  Bur- 

ajor  General 
ded  in  it,    as 

[Q  Gates. 

)t  carried 
my,  with 
d  Hamil- 
>tet' 

:  of  .vVith 

senting  a 

Jates  and 

shington 

ledge  in 

was  in- 

When, 

n  of  the 

ntention 

owe   of 

oin  him 

lere  des- 

rs   were 


given  that  the   embarcation  should   be  delayed  until  all 
accounts   fc:   the  subsistence  of  the  captured   army  had 
been  settled  ;   and  on  a  settlement   being  offered,  it  was 
refused  unless  payment  were  made  in  gold,  which,  at 
the  time,  it  was  notoriously  impossible  to  procure;  and 
once  more  congress,  driven  from  both  of  these  positions, 
gravely  stated  that  all  the  small  arms  had  not  been  de- 
livered up  at  the  time  of  the  surrender.     Finally,  in  the 
beginning  of  January,  1778,  congress  passed  a  resolution 
indefinitely  suspending  the  embarcation.     The  true  rea- 
son for  this  course  was,  undoubtedly,  the  unworthy  one 
that  many  of  the   troops  might  be  brought  over  to  the 
American  cause  by  desertion;  which,  however,  was  un- 
successful, as  —  although  it  has  been  thought  otherwise  — 
not  more  than  eighty  Germans  deserted  from  their  colors 
after  the  surrender.     .Washington  felt  this  keenly,  and 
seems  to  have  been  greatly  mortified  at  the  decision  of 
congress.       In   a    letter  to   Burgoyne,  dated  at  Head- 
quarters, Penn.,    March    nth,   1778,"  he  writes  :  "I 
take  pleasure  in  the  opportunity   you  I  tve  afforded  me 
of  assuring  you  that,  far  from  suffering  the  views  of  na- 
tional opposition  to  be  embittered  and  debased  by  per- 
sonal animosity,   I   am  ever  ready  to  do  justice  to  the 
gentleman  and  the  soldiers,  and  to  esteem  where  esteem 
is  due,  however   the  idea  of  a  public  enemy  may  inter- 
pose."*      By    this  action    of  congress,    the    Riedesels, 
Phillips   and   many    other   worthy    oificers   as   well    as 


^  See  Life  of  Madame  Riedesely  also  Fotiblanque''s  Life  of  Burgoyne^  for  the 
correspondence  in  full  between  fVashington  and  Burgoyne. 


1 1 4      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


privates  suffered  great  privation  and  misery  for  several 
years. 

The  Americans  obtained  by  this  victory,  at  a  very 
critical  period,  an  excellent  train  of  brass  artillery,  con- 
sisting of  forty-two  guns  of  various  calibre,  four  thousand 
six  hundred  and  forty-seven  muskets,  four  hundred  set 
of  harness,  and  a  large  supply  of  ammunition.  The  pri- 
soners numbered  five  thousand,  eight  hundred  and  four, 
and  the  entire  American  force  at  the  time  of  the  surrender, 
including  regulars  (Continentals)  and  militia,  was  twenty 
thousand    eight  hundred  and  seventeen  effective  men.^ 

XIII. 

At  eleven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the 
royal    army  left  their  fortified  camp,  and  marched  to  the 


'This  does  not  conflict  with  the  statement  on  page  no.  Dur- 
ing the  time  of  the  cessation  of  arms,  while  the  articles  of  capitu- 
lation were  preparing,  the  solditrs  of  the  two  armies  often  saluted,  and  dis- 
coursed with  each  other  from  the  opposite  banks  of  the  river.  Among  the 
British  was  a  soldier  of  the  9th  regiment,  named  Maguire,  who  came  down 
to  the  river  side,  with  a  number  of  his  companions,  and  engaged  in  con- 
versation with  a  party  of  Americans  on  the  further  shore.  In  a  short  time 
something  was  observed  very  forcibly  to  strike  the  mind  of  the  honest 
Hibernian.  He  suddenly  darted  like  lightning  from  his  companions,  and 
plunged  into  the  stream.  At  the  very  same  moment,  one  of  the  Ameri- 
can soldiers,  seized  with  a  similar  impulse,  resolutely  dashed  into  the 
water.  The  wondering  soldiers  on  both  sides  beheld  them  eagerly  swim 
toward  the  middle  of  the  river,  where  they  met.  They  hung  on  each  other's 
necks  and  wept :  and  the  loud  cries  of  "  my  brother !  my  dear  brother  !  !  " 
which  accompanied  tiie  transaction,  soon  cleared  up  the  mystery  to  the 
astonished  spectators.  They  were,  it  seems,  both  brothers  ;  one  had  emi- 
grated to  America,  and  the  other  had  entered  the  army  j  and  both  were 
totally  ignorant  until  that  hour  that  they  were  engaged  in  hostile  combat 
against  each  other's  life. 


green 

north 

Here  ii 

ivinson, 

cannon 

leryma 

parting 

With 

beardet 

more. 

their  ar 

pieces. 

'  Fort  \ 
orship  of 
which  ha( 
the  latter 
brace  aboi 
pearance  c 
creek,  anc 
ments  of  1 
are  freque; 
Champlai; 
of  human 
the  cemet 

«"Gen 
o'clock  in 
and  infori 
drooping 
mouth  of 
on  this  oc 
to  hide  hi 
among  ot 
you.     Yc 


or  several 

at  a  very 
lery,  con- 
■  thousand 
indred  set 
The  pri- 
and  four, 
surrender, 
as  twenty 
ive  men.^ 


17th,  the 
led  to  the 

110.       Dur- 
of   capitu- 
ted,  and  dis- 
Among  the 
came  down 
jed   in  con- 
short  time 
the  honest 
anions,  and 
the  Ameri- 
:d   into   the 
gerly  swim 
lach  other's 
brother  !  !  " 
tery  to  the 
e  had  emi- 
both  were 
:ile  combat 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      115 

green  in  front  of  old  Fort  Hardy,  on  the  meadow  just 
north  of  Fish  creek,  at  its  junction  with  the  Hudson.* 
Here  in  the  presence  only  of  Morgan  Lewis  and  Wil- 
kinson, representing  the  American  army,  they  left  their 
cannon  and  small  arms.  With  a  longing  eye  the  artil- 
leryman looked  for  the  last  time  upon  his  faithful  gun, 
parting  with  it  as  from  his  bride,  and  that  forever. 
With  tears  trickling  down  his  bronzed  cheeks,  the 
bearded  grenadier  stacked  his  musket  to  resume  it  no 
more.  Others  in  their  rage,  knocked  ofF  the  butts  of 
their  arms,  and  the  drummers  stamped  their  drums  to 
pieces. "^ 


'  Fort  Hardy  was  a  military  work  built  by  the  English,  during  the  govern- 
orship of  Sir  Charles  Hardy,  and  was  intended  to  supersede  the  old  fort 
which  had  been  erected  as  early  as  the  war  of  William  and  Mary,  during 
the  latter  part  of  the  17th  century.  Th"  lines  of  the  entrenchments  em- 
brace about  fifteen  acres  of  ground.  The  outer  works  yet  retain  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  strong  fortification,  bounded  south  by  the  north  side  of  Fish 
creek,  and  east  by  the  right  bank  of  the  Hudson.  Human  bones,  frag- 
ments of  fire-arms,  swords,  balls,  tools,  implements,  and  broken  crockery, 
are  frequently  picked  up  on  this  ground.  In  excavating  the  earth  for  the 
Champlain  canal,  which  passes  a  few  rods  west  of  this  fort,  such  numbers 
of  human  skeletons  were  found,  as  make  it  highly  probable  that  this  was 
the  cemetery  of  the  garrison. 

' "  General  Riedesel  was  deeply  affected  by  the  sad  events.  At  eight 
o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  17th,  he  collected  all  the  German  troops, 
and  informed  them  of  their  fate.  In  solemnity  and  in  silence,  and  with 
drooping  heads,  the  brave  and  tried  warriors  heard  the  words  from  the 
mouth  of  their  beloved  leader,  whose  voice,  manly  at  all  times,  trembled 
on  this  occasion,  and  who  was  obliged  to  summon  all  of  his  self-control 
to  hide  his  emotions.  *  It  was  no  lack  of  courage  on  your  part,'  said  he, 
among  other  things,  to  his  men,  '  by  which  this  awful  fate  has  come  upon 
you.     You  will   always  be  justified  in  the  eyes  of  the  world.'     He  con- 


1 1 6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


Immediately  after  the  surrender,  the  British  took  up 
their  march  for  Boston,  whence  they  expected  to  em- 
bark, and  bivouacked  the  first  night  at  their  old  encamp- 
ment at  the  base  of  the  hill   where   Fraser  was  buried. 


eluded  his  address,  with  the  exhortation,  that  as  good  soldiers  they  should 
bear  their  misfortune  with  courage,  and  do  their  duty  at  all  times,,  displaying 
order  and  discipline  j  for  in  so  doing,  they  would  retain  the  love  of  their 
sovereign,  and  the  respect  ot' their  enemies. 

"  General  Riedcsel's  next  care  was  to  save  the  colors.  He,  therefore,  had 
them  taken  down  From  the  flag  staft",  and  gave  them  to  his  wife,  who  had 
them  sewed  up  by  a  faithful  soldier  who  was  a  tailor.  Henceforth  he  slept 
upon  them  and  fortunately  saved  them.  What  a  dreary  future  was  now  in 
store  for  the  weary  soldier  in  this  distant  land  !  Certain  of  victory  a  few 
days  ago  after  so  many  glorious  battles,  all  prospect  for  honor  and  glory  was 
lost  in  this  campaign.  In  a  few  hours  they  were  to  lay  down  their  arms, 
those  arms  with  which  they  had  so  bravely  fought  against  their  enemies, 
those  arms,  too,  that  were  now  to  be  surrendered  to  the  enemy,  on  whose 
will  they  were  now  dependent.  Verily,  a  sadder  fate  than  this  cannot  be 
imagined  for  a  soldier  ! 

"  Inwardly,  however,  Riedesel  chafed  exceedingly  at  the  result  and  at  the 
bad  management  which  had  brought  it  about.  In  the  first  moments  of 
vexation  he  wrote  to  the  reigning  prince  at  Brunswick  as  follows  : 

*•  *  Your  serene  highness  will  understand  by  the  accompanying  report,  now 
submitted  to  you,  into  what  a  desolate  position  our  fine  maneuvers  have 
placed  me  and  the  troops  of  your  highness.  The  reputation  I  have  gained 
in  Germany  has  been  sacrificed  to  certain  individuals,  and  I  consider  my- 
self the  most  unfortunate  man  on  earth.' 

"  But  neither  the  court  nor  the  public  of  Brunswick  laid  anything  to  the 
charge  of  Riedesel,  or  the  troops.  On  the  contrary,  they  felt  the  greatest 
sympathy  with  them  in  their  unfortunate  fate.  This  is  shown,  not  only 
by  the  letters  of  Duke  Charles,  and  Duke  Ferdinand,  the  hereditary  prince 
of  Brunswick,  but  by  the  newspapers  of  that  day,  in  which  neither  the 
troops  nor  their  generals  are  in  the  slightest  degree  reproached.  On  the 
contrary,  they  acknowledge  their  good  behavior." —  Memoirs  of  General 
RieJeseL 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      i  1 7 


took  up 
d  to  em- 
encanip- 
s  buried. 

they  should 
s,,  displaying 
ove  of  their 

lererore,  had 
fe,  who  had 
jith  he  slept 
was  now  in 
ictory  a  tew 
id  glory  was 
I  their  arms, 
leir  enemies, 
f,  on  whose 
s  cannot  be 

It  and  at  the 

moments  of 

vs : 
eport,  now 
uvers   have 
ave  gained 

insider  my- 

ling  to  the 
he  greatest 
,  not  only 
tary  prince 
leither  the 
On  the 
of  General 


As  they  debouched  from  the  meadow,  where  they 
had  deposited  their  arms,  they  passed  between  the  Con- 
tinentals who  were  drawn  up  in  parallel  lines.  But  on 
no  face  did  ihey  see  exultation.  "  As  we  passed  the 
American  army,"  writes  Lieut.  Anbury,  one  of  the 
captured  officers,  an  '  bitterly  prejudiced  against  his 
conquerors,  ^' I  did  not  observe  the  least  disrespect,  or 
even  a  taunting  look,  but  all  was  mute  astonishment  and 
pity  ;  and  it  gave  us  no  little  comfort  to  notice  this  civil 
deportment  to  a  captured  enemy,  unmarred  by  the  ex- 
ulting air  of  victors."  * 

Early  the  same  morning  General  Wilkinson,  before 
the  capitulation,  visited  Burgoyne  in  his  camp,  and  ac- 
companied him  to  the  ground  where  his  army  were  to 
lay  down  their  arms.  I  laving  inspected  the  place,  the 
two  generals  rode  to  the  bank  of  the  Hudson,  where 
Burgoyne,  surveying  it  with  attention,  asked  his  com- 
panion whether  it  was  not  fordable  at  that  place  }  "  Cer- 
tainly, sir,"  said  Wilkinson,  "  but  do  you  observe  the 
people  on  the  opposite  shore  .?"  ''  Yes,"  replied  Bur- 
goyne, "  I  have  seen  them  too  long  !" 

The  English  general  having  expressed  a  wish  to  be 
formally  introduced  to  his  old  comrade,  jGates,  Wilkin- 
son arranged  an  interview  a  few  moments  after  the  capitu- 
lation.    In  anticipation  of  this  meeting,   Burgoyne  had 


^"General  Gates  showed  himself  on  this  occasion,  exceedingly  noble 
and  generous  toward  the  captives.  That  he  might  show  in  some  manner 
the  feeling  of  the  Americans,  he  commanded  his  troops  to  wheel  round 
the  instant  the  English-  laid  down  their  arms.  He,  himself,  drew  down 
the  curtains  of  his  carriage  in  which  he  had  driven  to  the  ground,  and  in 
which  he   was  then  seated."  —  Brunsavick  Journal. 


II 


1 


1 1 8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

bestowed  the  greatest  care  upon  his  toilet.  He  had 
attired  himself  in  full  court  dress,  and  wore  costly 
regimentals  and  a  richly  decorated  hat  with  streaming 
plumes.  Gates,  a  smaller  man  and  with  much  less  of 
manner,  on  the  contrary,  was  dressed  merely  in  a  plain 
blue  overcoat,  wh;:h  had  upon  it  scarcely  anything  in- 
dicative of  his  rank.  Upon  the  two  generals  first  catch- 
ing a  glimpse  of  each  other,  they  stepped  forward 
simultaneously  and  advanced,  until  they  were  only  a  few 
steps  apart,  when  they  halted.  The  English  general 
took  off  his  hat,  and  making  a  polite  bow,  said.  "  The 
fortune  of  war.  General  Gates,  has  made  me  your  pri- 
soner." The  American  general,  in  lepiy,  simply  returneu 
his  greeting  and  said  :  "  I  shall  always  be  ready  to  testify, 
that  it  has  not  been  through  any  fault  of  your  excellency."' 
As  soon  as  this  introduction  was  over  the  other 
captive  generals  and  their  suites  repaired  to  the  cabin 
which  constituted  the  head-quarters  of  Gates,  where  they 

^  A  marginal  note  —  supposed  to  be  in  the  hand-  writing  of  George  Clin- 
ton —  in  Burgoyne's  orderly  book,  gives  the  conversation  between  tlie 
two  generals  as  tbllows  :  "  '  I  am  glad  to  see  you,'  said  Gates.  *  1  am  not 
glad  to  see  you,'  replied  Burgoyne,  *  It  is  my  fortune,  sir,  and  not  my  fault 
that  I  am  here.'  "  Wilkinson,  however,  an  eye-witness  of  the  scene,  and 
generally  very  accurate,  gives  the  version  in  the  text,  v  lich  is  more  in 
keeping  with  the  urbane  manner  that  invariably  characteiized  the  English 
general. 

The  place  where  this  meeting  took  place  is  about  a  hundred  rods 
south  of  Fish  creek,  and  fift)  rods  nurcii  or  Gates's  head-quarters.  The 
bridge  over  the  Champlain  -.anal  at  this  point  probably  irdicates  pretty  ac- 
curately the  precise  spot.  For  the  location  of  the  headquarters  of  the  Ameri- 
can general,  see  note  on  pages  122-23. 

The   head-quarters   of  Gates  was,   in  the  language  of  Wilkinson,  '*  A 


le. 

He  had 

)re  costly 
streaming 
:h  less  of 
n  a  plain 
^thing  in- 
rst  catch- 
forward 
nly  a  few 
h  genera] 
.  "The 
your  pri- 
^returneu 
to  testify, 
sllency."' 
he  other 
the  cabin 
here  they 

George  Clin- 
jetween  tlie 
'  1  am  not 
lot  my  fault 
e  scene,  and 
is  more  in 
the  English 

ndred  rods 
rters.  The 
L's  pretty  ac- 

the  Ameri- 


:inson. 


<( 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      \  1 9 

were  received  with  the  greatest  courtesy,  and  with  the 
consideration  due  to  brave  but  unfortunate  men.  Atter 
Riedesel  had  been  presented  to  Gates,  Morgan'  and  other 
American  officers,  he  sent  for  his  wife  and  children. 
It  is  to  this  circumstance,  that  we  owe  the  portraiture 
of  a  lovely  trait  in  General  Schuyler's  character.  "  In 
our  passage  through  the  American  camp,"  the  baroness 
writes,  "  I  observed  with  great  satisfaction,  that  no 
one  cast  at  js  scornful  glances.  On  the  contrary,  they 
all  greeted  me,  even  showing  compassion  on  their 
countenances  at  seeing  a  mother  with  her  little  children 
in  such  a  condition.  I  confess  I  feared  to  come  into 
the  enemy's   camp,  as  the  thing  was   so  entirely   new 


small  hovel,  about  ten  feet  square,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill,  out  of  which  it  had 
been  partially  dug  ;  the  floor  had  been  prepared  by  nature ;  while  in  one 
corner  four  forks  with  cross-pieces,  supported  the  boards  which  received  the 
general's  pallet." 

'"Morgan  was  a  large,  strong  bodied  personage,  whose  appearance 
gave  the  idea  history  has  left  us  of  Belisarius.  His  manners  were  of 
the  severer  cast;  but  where  he  became  attached  he  was  kind  and 
truly  affectionate.  This  is  said,  from  experience  of  the  most  sensitive  and 
pleasing  nature;  activity,  spirit  and  courage  in  a  solJicr,  procured  his  good 
will  and  esteem.  He  was  a  strict  disciplinarian.  Permit  an  anecdote.  He 
had  obtained  the  command  of  the  rifle  corps  from  Arnold  without  any 
advertence  to  the  b«;tter  claim  of  Hendricks,  who,  though  the  younger  man 
was  of  the  three  captains,  in  point  of  rank,  by  the  dates  of  commissions,  the 
superior  officer,  Hendricks,  for  the  sake  of  peace  in  the  army,  and  of  good 
order,  prudently  and  good  naturedly  acquiesced  in  his  assumption  of  the 
command,  for  Morgan  had  seen  more  service  in  our  former  wars. 

At  this  place  Morgan  had  given  it  out  in  orders,  that  no  one  should  rire. 
One  Chamberlaine,  a  wortlilcss  fellow,  who  did  not  think  it  worth  while 
to  draw  his  bullet,  had  gone  some  hundreds  of  yards  into  the  woods,  and 
discharged  his  gun.     Lieut.    Steele  happened  to  be  in  that  quarter  at  the 


1 20      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


1 1 


to  me.  When  I  approached  the  tents  a  noble  looking 
man  came  toward  me  and  took  the  children  out  of" 
the  wagon  ;  embraced  and  kissed  them  ;  and  then  with 
tears  in  his  eyes  helped  me  also  to  alight.  He  then  led 
me  to  the  tent  of  General  Gates,  with  whom  I  found 
Generals  Burgoyne  and  Phillips  who  were  upon  an  ex- 
tremely friendly  footing  with  him.  Presently,  the  man 
who  had  received  me  so  kindly,  came  up  and  said  to  me  : 
'  It  may  be  embarrassing  to  you  to  dine  with  all  these 
gentlemen  ;  come  now  with  your  children  into  my  tent, 
where  I  will  give  you,  it  is  true,  a  frugal  meal,  but  one 
that  will  be  accompanied  by  the  best  of  wishes.'  '  You 
are  certainly,'  answered  I,  'a  husband  and  a  father  since 


time;  Steele  had  but  arrived  at  the  fire,  where  we  sat,  when  Morgan,  who 
had  seen  liini  coming,  approached  our  camp,  and  seated  himself  within  our 
circle.  Presently  Chamberlaine  came,  gun  in  hand,  and  was  passing  our 
fire,  towards  that  of  his  mess.  Morgan  called  to  the  soldier,  accused  him 
as  the  defaulter  J  this  the  man  (an  arrant  liar)  denied.  Morgan  appealed 
to  Steele.  Steele  admitted  he  heard  the  report,  but  knew  not  the  party 
who  discharged  the  gun.  Morgan  suddenly  springing  to  a  pile  of  billets, 
took  one,  and  swore  he  would  knock  the  accused  down  unless  he  confessed 
the  fact.  Instantly,  Smith  seized  another  billet,  and  swore  he  would  strike 
Morgan  if  he  struck  the  man.  Morgan  knowing  the  tenure  of  his  rank 
receded.  This  was  the  only  spirited  act  I  knew  of  Smith.  Such  w-re  the 
rough-hewn  characters  which,  in  a  few  subsequent  years,  by  energy  of  mind 
and  activity  of  bo  ly,  bore  us  safely  through  the  dreadful  storms  of  the  revo- 
lution. Morgan  was  of  an  impetuous  temner,  yet  withal,  prudent  in  war, 
as  he  was  fearless  of  personal  danger.  His  passions  were  quick  and  easily 
e;;cited,  but  they  were  soon  cooled.  This  observation  is  applicable  to  many 
men  of  great  talents,  and  to  none  more  than  Morgan.  His  severi':y,  at 
times,  has  made  me  shudder,  though  it  was  necessary,  yet  it  would  have 
been  a  pleasing  trait  in  his  character  if  it  had  been  'ess  rigid." —  Henry's 
^Journal  of  Arnold'' %  Expedition  against  ^ebec  in  1775. 


. 


t  looking 

II  out    of 

:hen  with 

\  then  led 

[1  I  found 

Dn  an  ex  • 

the  man 

id  to  me  : 

all  these 

my  tent, 

I,  but  one 

.'     'You 

ther  since 

rlorgan,  who 

If  within  our 

passing  our 

accused  him 

jan  appealed 

ot  the  party 

e  of  billets, 

he  confessed 

would  strike 

of  his  rank 

ch  were  the 

rgy  of  mind 

of  the  revo- 

ent  in  war, 

c  and  easily 

jIc  to  many 

iicveri^'y,   at 

would  have 

-  Henry's 


'">  V^ 


,.#•" 


:"N' 


■'3>w»«-:- 


',  :-^'- 


y 


^^xfV 


^H 


f 


rf-rftji!tr>h    '  .Vl^ft'  iflkf   *»*/   "^.Y-f^  iiStri.t   ,.>,t'    •'*•  .   <k'>«"    il.-r.-    -.VmiA^ 


l>\ 


1 20      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

to  me.  When  I  approached  the  tents  a  noble  looking 
man  :ame  toward  me  and  took  the  children  out  oi 
the  wag(5n  ;  errbraced  and  kissed  them  ;  and  then  witS^ 
tears  in  his  eyes  helped,  me  also  to  alight.  He  then  led 
me  to  the  tent  of  General  Gates,  with  whom  I  found 
Generals  Burgoyne  and  Phillips  who  were  upon  an  ex- 
tremely friendly  footing  with  him.  Presently,  the  man 
who  had  received  me  so  kmdly,  came  up  ar.v  said  to  mc  ; 
'  It  may  be  embarrassing  to  you  to  dine  with  all  thesf 
gentlemen  \  come  now  with  your  children  into  my  tent, 
where  I  will  give  you,  it  is  true,  a  frugal  meal,  but  on<- 
that  will  be  accompanied  by  the  best  of  wishes.'  '  You 
are  certainly,'  answered  I,  'a  husband  and  a  father  since 


time  5  Steele  had  but  arrived  at  the  fire,  where  we  sat,  when  Morgan,  wl 
had  seen  liim  coming,  approached  our  camp,  and  seated  himself  within  our 
circle.  Presently  Chamberlaine  came,  gun  in  hand,  and  was  passing  -n 
fire,  towards  that  of  his  mess.  Morgan  called  to  the  soldier,  accused  h';M 
as  the  defaulter  J  this  the  man  (an  arrant  liar)  denred,  Morgan  appealr.i 
to' Steele.  Steele  admitted  he  heard  the  report,  but  knew  not  the  party 
who  discharged  the  irun.  Morgan  suddenly  springing  to  a  pile  of  billt-r*, 
took  one,  and  swore  he  would  knock  the  accused  down  unless  he  confess*  4 
the  fict.  Instantly,  Smith  seized  another  billet,  and  swore  he  would  stiit 
Morgan  if  he  struck  the  man.  Morgan  knowing  the  tenure  of  his  rank 
receded.  This  was  the  only  spirited  act  I  knew  of  Smith.  Such  w»re  x\\* 
rough-hewn  characters  which,  in  a  few  subsequent  years,  by  energy  of  nui"; 
and  at  tivity  of  bo  ly,  bore  us  safely  through  the  dreadful  storms  of  the  rivc^ 
lution.  Morgan  was  of  jn  impotuous  temper,  yet  withal,  prudent  in  W4% 
as  he  was  fearless  of  personal  danger.  His  passions  were  quick  and  e'uly 
excited,  but  they  were  soon  cooled.  This  observation  is  applicable  to  mmv 
men  of  great  talents,  and  to  norn-  more  than  Morgan.  His  severify,  jt 
times,  has  made  me  shudder,  though  it  was  necessary,  yet  it  would  h.ive 
been  a  pleasing  trait  in  his  character  if  it  had  been  less  rigid." —  Henry** 
yournai  of  ArnoUVs  Expedition  against  i^ittbec  in  1775. 


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ui^H  "    itAf^t  ■ .  '.Vfrt,,', 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      1 2 1 

you  show  me  so  much  kindness.'     I  then  learned   that 
he  was  the  American  General  Schuyler." 

The  English  and  German  generals  dined  with  the 
American  commander  in  his  tent,  on  boards  laid  across 
barrels.  The  dinner  which  was  served  up  in  four  dishes 
consisted  only  of  ordinary  viands,  the  Americans  at  this 
period  being  accustomed  to  plain  and  frugal  meals.  The 
drink,  on  this  occasion,  was  cider,  and  rum  mixed  with 
water.  Burgoyne  appeared  in  excellent  hurhor.  He 
talked  a  great  deal  and  spoke  very  flatteringly  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, remarking  among  other  things  that  he  admired  the 
number,  dress  and  discipline  of  their  army  and  above  all 
the  decv^rum  and  regularity  that  were  observed.  "  Your 
funds  of  nen,"  he  said  to  Gates,  "  are  inexhaustible.  Like 
the  Hydra's  head,  when  cut  otF,  seven  more  spring  up  in 
its  stead." 

He  also  proposed  a  toast  to  General  Washington,  an 
attention  that  Gates  returned  by  drinking  the  health  of 
the  king  of  England.  The  conversation  on  both  sides 
was  unrestrained,  affable  and  free.  Indeed  the  conduct 
of  Gates  throughout,  after  the  terms  of  the  surrender  had 
been  adjusted,  was  marked  with  equal  delicacy  and  mag- 
nanimity, as  Burgoyne  himself  admitted  in  a  letter  to  the 
Earl  of  Derby.  In  that  letter,  the  captive  general  par- 
ticularly mentioned  one  circumstance  which  he  said  ex- 
ceeded all  he  had  ever  seen  or  read  of  on  a  like  occasion. 
It  was,  that  when  the  British  soldiers  had  marched  out  of 
their  camp  to  the  place  where  they  were  to  pile  their  arms, 
not  a  man  of  the  American  troops  was  to  be  seen^  General 
Gates  having  ordered  his  whole  army  out  of  sight,  that 


11.' » 


122      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

not  one  of  them  should  be  a  spectator  of  the  humiliation 
of  the  British  troops.  This  was  a  refinement  of  delicacy 
and  of  military  generosity  and  politeness  reflecting  the 
highest  credit  upon  the  conqueror  ;  and  was  spoken  of 
by  the  officers  of  Bargoyne  in  the  strongest  terms  of 
approbation.^ 

As  the  company  rose  from  table,  the  royal  army  filed 
past  in  their  march  to  the  seaboard.  Thereupon,  by  pre- 
concerted arrangement,  the  generals  stepped  out,  and 
Burgoyne  drawing  his  sword  presented  it  in  the  presence 
of  the  two  armies  to  General  Gates.  The  latter  re- 
ceived it  with  a  courteous  bow,  and  immediately  returned 
it  to  the  vanquished  general.  Colonel  Trumbull  has 
graphically  depicted  this  scene  in  one  of  his  paintings  in 
the  rotunda  at  Washington.^ 


Remembrancer  of  1777,  pages  482  and  3.  A  letter  published  in  that 
repository  of  the  American  Revolution,  at  the  same  time,  stated  that  "  some 
few  of  the  New  England  men  desired  to  have  Burgoyne  in  their  hands  for 
half  an  hour.  Being  asked  for  what  purpose,  they  said  they  *  would  do  him 
no  harm;  they  would  tar  and  feather  him,  and  make  him  stand  on  the 
head  of  one  of  his  own  empty  beef-barrels,  and  read  his  own  proclamation.'  " 
p.  481-82.  If  made  at  ail,  the  suggestion  must  have  been  merely  the 
sportive  sally  of  a  wag. 

-'  The  headquarters  of  General  Gates  —  when  the  surrender  took  place  — 
were  situated  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  rods  south  of  Fish  creek,  very  nearly 
on  the  west  side  of  the  present  river  road  from  Schuylerville  to  Stillwater, 
in  a  rude  cabin  partially  dug  out  of  the  bank  on  that  side  of  the  road  (see 
rote  on  pages  11 8- 19).  By  some  —  and  it  has  given  rise  to  much 
discussion  —  it  has  been  supposed,  that  these  head-quarters  were  on  a 
bluff  overlooking  the  scene  of  the  laying  down  of  arms,  just  south  of 
Fish  creek,  and  nearly  fronting  Schuyler's  house.  This  mistake,  how- 
ever, probably  arose  from  the  fact,  that,  during  the  negotiations  between 


te. 

umiliation 
•f  delicacy 
icting  the 
spoken  of 
terms  of 

irmy  filed 
n,  by  pre- 
oat,  and 
presence 
latter  re- 
f  returned 
nbull  has 
intings  in 


hed  in  that 
that  "some 
;ir  hands  for 
ould  do  him 
tand  on  the 
;lamation.' " 
merely  the 

Dok  place  — 
,  very  nearly 
3  Stillwater, 
ic  road  (see 
e  to  much 
were  on  a 
St  south  of 
take,  how- 
ns   between 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      1 2  j 

General  Schuyler,  as  we  have  seen,  was  in  the  camp 
with  Gates  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  ;  and  when 
Burgoyne,  with  his  general  officers,  arrived  in  Albany, 
they  were  the  guests  of  Schuyler,  by  whom  they  were 
treated  with  great  hospitality.  xMadame  Riedesel,  also, 
speaks  with  much  feeling  of  the  kindness  she  received 
on  this  occasion  nt  the  hands  of  Mrs.  Schuyler  and  her 
daughters.  The  urbanity  of  General  Schuyler's  manners, 
and  the  chivalric  magnanimity  of  his  character,  smarting 
as  he  was  under  the  extent  and  severity  of  his  pecuniary 
losses,  are  attested  by  General  Burgoyne,  himself,  in  his 
speech  in  1778,  in  the  British  House  of  Commons.  He 
then  declared  that,  by  his  orders,  "  a  very  good  dwelling 
house,  exceeding  large  store-houses,  g;reat  saw-mills,  and 
other  out-buildings,  to  the  value  altogether  perhaps  of 
<£ 1 0,000  sterling,"  belonging  to  General  Schuyler,  at 
Saratoga,  were  destroyed  by  fire  a  few  days  before  the 


the  two  generals  for  the  surrender,  a  tent,  for  the  accommodation  of  General 
Wilkinson  on  the  part  of  Gates,  and  of  Major  Kingston  of  Burgoyne,  was 
pitched,  says  Wilkinson,  "  hetiveen  the  ad-vanced  guards  of  the  two  armies, 
on  the  first  bank  just  above  General  Schuyler's  saw-mill."  Thus,  very 
naturally,  the  mistake  arose  —  that  it  was  a  mistake,  there  can  be  not 
the  shadow  of  a  doubt,  as  any  one,  who  will  read  Wikinson  attentively, 
must  at  once  perceive. —  See  General  Mattoon\  Letter^  Appendix  XJIi. 

"  My  father,  then  a  small  boy,  living  a  mile  and  a  half  west  of  this  vil- 
lage (Ballston,  N.  Y.),  which  was  tlien  a  wilderness,  remembers  to  have 
heard  the  noise  of  the  artillery  in  both  engagements.  Several  of  the  neigh- 
vent  over  to  Saratoga  (Schuylerville)  to  witness  the  capitulation.  Fie 
remembered  that  Judge  Beriah  Palmer  stopped  at  the  house  on  his  return, 
and  said  iie  saw  Gen.  Burgoyne  surrender  his  sword  to  Gen.  Gates,  and 
gave  many  particulars  of  the  occurrence." — Ho?j.  Geo.  G.  Scott  of  Ballston^ 
N.  7*.,  to  the  Authovy  June  23,  1877. 


1 24      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

surrender  to  give  greater  play  to  his  artillery.  He  said 
further,  that  one  of  the  first  persons  he  saw,  after  the 
Convention  was  signed,  wis  General  Schuyler;  and  when 
expressing  to  him  his  regret  at  the  event  which  had 
happened  to  his  property,  General  Schuyler  desired  him 
"  to  think  no  more  of  it,  and  that  the  occasion  justified  it 
according  to  the  rules  of  war."  "  He  did  more,"  continued 
Burgoyne  ;  "  he  sent  an  aid-de-camp  ^  to  conduct  me  to 
Albany,  in  order,  as  he  expressed  it,  to  procure  better 
quarters  than  a  stranger  might  be  able  to  find.  That 
gentleman  conducted  me  to  a  very  elegant  house,  and 
to  my  great  surprise,  presented  meto  Mrs.  Schuyler  and 
her  family.  In  that  house  I  remained  during  my  whole 
stay  in  Albany,  with  a  table  of  more  than  twenty  covers 
for  me  a  id  my  friends,  and  every  other  demonstration 
of  hospitality."" 

XIV. 

General  Burgoyne,  until  his  unfortunate  campaign, 
stood  very  high  in  his  profession.  He  had  made  a  bril- 
liant record  on  the  banks  of  the  Tagus  for  dash,  as  well 


^  The  late  Col.  Richard  Varick,  then  the  military  secretary  of  General 
Schuyler. 

^Parliamentary  History,  Vol.  xix,  p.  1182,  as  quoted  by  Chancellor 
Kent  in  his  address  before  the  N.  Y.  His.  Soc 

During  Mrs.  Riedescl's  stay  at  Albany,  as  the  guest  of  Gen.  and  Mrs. 
Schuyler,  one  of  her  little  girls,  on  first  coming  into  the  house,  exclaimed, 
**  Oh  mama  !  Is  this  the  palace  papa  was  to  have  when  he  came  to  Ameri- 
ca ? "  As  the  Schuyler  family  understood  German,  Madame  Riedesel 
colored  at  the  remark,  which,  however,  was  pleasantly  got  over. —  Life 
of  Peter  Van  Schaick. 

The  Schuyler  mansion,   which  stands  on  Clinton  street  facing  Schuyler 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      125 

as  judgment,  under  the  eye  of  a  master  in  the  art  o^  war, 
the  famous  Count  Schaumberg  Lippc,  who  1  ad  been 
selected  by  Frederic  the  Great,  or  the  second  Frederic, 
Prince  Ferdinana  of  Brunswick,  to  save  tlie  kingdom  of 
Portugal,  on  the  very  verge  of  ruin.  He  also  added  to 
a  prepossessing  exterior  the  polished  manners  and  keen 
sagacity  of  a  courtier.  He  was  likewise  v^'itty  and  brave. 
But  personal  courage  alone  does  not  constitute  a  com- 
mander ;  for  of  a  commander  other  qualities  arc  expected, 
especially  experience  and  presence  of  mind.  Burgoyne, 
in  all  his  undertakings,  was  hasty  and  self-willed.  De- 
siring to  do  everything  himself,  he  rarely  consulted  with 
others  ;  and  yet  he  never  knew  how  to  keep  a  plan 
secret.  While  in  a  subordinate  position,  although  con- 
tinually carping  at  his  military  superiors  and  complaining 
of  his  inferior  position,  yet  when  given  a  separate  com- 
mand   he  was  guilty  of  the  same   faults   which   he  had 


of  General 


street,  was  not  built  by  Schuyler,  himself,  but  by  the  wife  of  General  Brad- 
street  while  the  latter  was  on  his  expedition  to  Oswego  in  1759.  The 
barracks  stood  some  fifteen  rods  back  of  the  house,  between  which  it  is 
supposed  an  underground  passage  existed,  though  no  traces  of  it  have  ever 
been  found.  The  mansion  even  for  this  day  is  a  fine  one  ;  and  for  that 
period  must  have  been  superb.  It  is  now  (1877)  owned  and  occupied  by 
Mrs.  John  Tracey.  Mrs.  Tracey,  who  cherishes  all  the  traditions  of  the 
place,  received  the  author  with  great  courtesy,  and  kindly  acted  as  his 
cicerone  in  visiting  the  interior  of  the  house  and  the  grounds.  For  the 
attempt  to  capture  Schuyler  by  the  Indians  and  Tories  see  Lossing's  Field 
Book  of  the  Re'voludon.  The  mark  of  the  tomahawk,  which,  hurled  at 
Mrs.  Schuyler's  daughter  as  she  snatched  her  infant  sister  from  its  cradle  to 
bear  it  to  a  place  of  safety,  is  still  clearly  seen  on  the  banister. 


126      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

reprehended  in  others.^  Being  a  great  sybarite  he  oUen 
neglected  the  duties  of  a  general,  as  well  toward  his  king 
as  his  subordinates.  He  could  easily  make  light  of 
everything,  provided  he  was  eating  a  good  meal,  or  was 
with  his  mistress;  and  while  he  was  enjoying  his  cham- 
pagne and  choice  food  his  army  suffered  the  keenest  want. 
Thus,  immediately  after  the  capitulation,  he  could  eat  and 
drink  with  the  enemy's  generals,  and  talk  with  the 
greatest  ease  of  the  most  important  events. 

Soon  after  the  surrender,  he  returned  to  England  and 
justly  threw  the  failure  of  the  expedition  upon  the  admin- 
istration. There  can  be  no  doubt,  that  had  he  been 
properly  supported  by  Howe,  as  he  had  a  right  to  ex- 
pect, he  would,  despite  his  mistakes,  have  reached  Albany  ; 
since,  in  that  case.  Gates  would  not  have  been  at  Still- 
water with  an  army  to  oppose  him.  Mr.  Fonblanque, 
in  his  life  of  Burgoyne,  draws  particular  attention  for  the 
first  time,  to  a  fact  that  throws  entirely  new  light  on  the  ap- 
parent failure  of  Howe,  and  clears  up  all  that  has  hitherto 
seemed  mysterious  and  contradictory.  Orders,  fully  as 
imperative  as  those  to  Burgoyne,  were  to  have  been  sent 
to  Howe,  but,  owing  to  the  carelessness  of  Germaine  — 
who  preferred  going  to  a  good  dinner  in  Kent  to  waiting 
a    few  moments    to   append  his    signature  —  they  were 

^  Had  Burgoyne  had  the  experience  of  his  campaign,  when  he  wrote  to 
his  friend  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  from  Boston, in  1775,  he  would  doubtless  have 
exercised  more  charity.  In  that  letter  he  writes,  "  For  God's  sake  urge 
the  ministry  to  encourage  the  general  [Gage]  in  the  use  of  it  [money]  for 
the  secret  service.  I  am  bold  to  say  he  has  not  proper  intelligence  of  what 
passes  within  half  a  mile  of  us." —  Fonblanque's  Burgoyne,  p.  204.  See 
also  pp.  142-155  in  same  connection. 


ne. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      127 


te  he  often 
'd  his  kintr 
5  light  of 
:al,  or  was 
his  chani- 
nest  want, 
jld  eat  and 
with    the 

gland  and 
he  admin- 
I  he  been 
;ht  to  ex- 
J  Albany; 
n  at  Still- 
nblanque, 
)n  for  the 
)n  theap- 
s  hitherto 
,  fully  as 
")een  sent 
maine  — 
3  waiting 
ley   were 

le  wrote  to 
btless  have 
>  sake  urge 
noney]  for 
ice  of  what 
204.     See 


pii;eon-holed  in  London,  where  they  were  found,  after  the 
convention  of  Saratoga,  carefully  docketed,  and  only  want- 
ing the  signature  of  the  minister.^  Hence,  Howe  acted 
on  the  discretionary  orders  sent  to  him  previously,  and 
concluded  to  go  to  Philadelphia  instead  of  to  Albany  — 
merely  telling  Clinton,  that  if  other  reinforcements  came 
meanwhile  from  England,  he  might  make  a  diversion  in 
favor  of  Burgoyne.  Primarily,  then,  the  failure  of  the 
expedition  was  due  to  the  gross  negligence  of  the  war 
minister,  though  the  failure  of  Howe  does  not  excuse 
the  blunders  through  which  Burgoyne  lost  his  army  in  the 
retreat.     It  should,  moreover,  also  be  stated  in  justice  to 


'Lord  E.  Fitzmaurice,  In  his  Life  of  Lord  Shelbume  (Germaine),  quotes 
a  memorandum  from  the  hand  of  that  statesman  on  the  subject  of  that  dis- 
astrous blunder.  He  says,  "  The  inconsistent  orders  given  to  Generals 
Howe  and  Burgoyne  could  not  be  accounted  for  except  in  a  way  which  it 
must  be  difficult  for  any  person  who  is  not  conversant  with  the  negligence 
of  office  to  comprehend.  It  might  appear  incredible,  if  his  own  secretary 
and  the  most  respectable  persons  in  office  had  not  assured  me  of  the  fact, 
and  what  corroborates  it,  is  that  it  can  be  accounted  for  in  no  other  way. 
It  requires  as  much  experience  in  business  to  comprehend  the  very  trifling 
causes  which  have  produced  the  greatest  events,  as  it  does  strength  of  reason 
to  develope  the  very  deepest  designs.  Among  many  singularities.  Lord 
Shelbume  had  ?  particular  aversion  to  being  put  out  of  his  way  on  any 
occasion.  He  had  fixed  to  go  into  Kent  at  a  particular  hour  and  to  call  on 
his  way  at  his  office  to  sign  the  despatches  (all  of  which  had  been  settled) 
to  both  these  generals.  By  some  mistake  those  to  Gen.  Howe  were  not 
fair  copied,  and  upon  his  growing  impatient  at  it,  the  office,  which  was  a 
very  idle  one,  promised  to  send  it  to  the  country  after  him,  while  they 
despatched  the  others  to  Gen.  Burguyne,  expecting  that  Howe's  could  be 
expedited  before  the  packet  sai'cd  with  the  first.  By  some  mistake,  how- 
ever, the  ship  sailed  without  them,  and  they  were  not  signed  and  were  for- 
gotten on  his  return  to  town." 


JUi,. 


128      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Burgoyne  that  in  arranging  the  campaign  with  the  king 
he  insisted  most  strenuously  that  his  success  depended 
upon  Howe's  cooperation. 

On  his  first  arrival  in  England  he  was  received  very 
coldly  by  the  court  and  people,  the  king  refusing  to 
see  him  ;  but  upon  a  change  of  the  ministry  he  regained 
somewhat  of  his  popularity.  In  1780,  he  appeared  be- 
fore the  public  in  a  vindication  of  himself  in  a  work 
entitled  the  State  of  the  Expedition.  Subsequently, 
he  wrote  several  popular  comedies  ;  and  was  one  of  the 
managers  of  the  impeachment  of  Lord  Hastings.  He 
did  not  live,  however,  to  see  the  result  of  that  trial.  He 
died  on  the  4th  of  August,  1792,  and  was  buried  in 
Westminster  Abbey. 

In  regard  to  General  Gates,  the  same  incapacity,  which 
afterward  became  so  apparent  in  his  unfortunate  southern 
campaign,  was  manifested  fiom  the  time  of  his  assuming 
the  command  of  the  northern  army  until  the  surrender. 
It  was  perhaps  no  fault  of  his  that  he  had  been  placed  in 
command  at  the  north,  just  at  the  auspicious  moment 
when  the  discomfiture  of  Burgoyne  was  no  longer  prob- 
lematical, lie  was  ordered  by  congress  to  the  station, 
and  performed  his  duty  passably  well.  But  it  is  110  less 
true,  that  the  laurels  won  by  him  ought  to  have  been  worn 
by  Schuyler.  Col.  Wilkinson,  who  was  a  member  of 
Gates's  military  family,  has  placed  this  question  in  its 
true  aspect.  He  maintains  that  not  only  had  the  army 
of  Burgoyne  been  essentially  disabled  by  the  defeat  of  the 
Germans  at  Bennington  before  the  arrival  of  Gates,  but 
that  the  repulse  of  St.  Leger  at  Fort  Stanwix  had  deranged 


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Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne.      129 

his  plans  ;  while  safety  had  been  restored  to  the  western 
frontier,  and  the  panic,  thereby  caused,  had  subsided. 
He  likewise  maintains  that  after  the  reverses  at  the  north, 
nowise  attributable  to  him,  and  before  the  arrival  of 
Gates,  the  zeal,  patriotism  and  sanitary  arrangements  of 
General  Schuyler  had  vanquished  the  prejudices  excited 
against  him  ;  that  by  the  defeat  of  Baum  and  St.  Leger, 
Schuyler  had  been  enabled  to  concentrate  and  oppose  his 
whole  Continental  force  against  the  main  body  of  the 
enemy  ;  and  that  by  him,  also  before  the  arrival  of  Gen. 
Gates,  the  friends  of  the  Revolution  had  been  re-animated 
and  excited  to  manly  resistance,  while  the  adherents  of 
the  royal  cause  were  intimidated,  and  had  shrunk  into 
silence  and  inactivity.  From  these  premises,  which  are 
indisputable,  it  is  no  more  than  a  fair  deduction  to  say 
''  that  the  same  force  which  enabled  Gates  to  subdue 
the  British  army,  would  have  produced  a  similar  effect 
under  the  orders  ot  General  Schuyler  ;  since  the  opera- 
tions of  the  campaign  did  not  involve  a  single  instance 
of  professional  skill,  and  the  triumph  of  the  American 
arms  was  accomplished  by  the  physical  force,  and  valor 
of  the  troops  under  the  protection  and  direction 
OF  the  God  of  Battles.^ 

Gates  was  a  man  of  great  plausibility  and  address,  and, 


"•A  Thanksgivingsermon,"says  Lamb,  "  was  preached  on  the  occasion 
oKthe  surrender  before  the  American  army  by  the  cliaplain,  from  Joel  ii, 
20th.  *  But  I  will  remove  far  from  you  the  Northern  army,  and  will  drive 
him  into  a  land  barren  and  desolate,  with  his  face  toward  the  East  sea,  and 
\\\i  hinder  pj:t  toward  the  utmost  sea  j  and  iiis  ill  savor  shall  come  up  be- 
cause lie  hath  done  great  things.'  " 

12 


I'll 


130      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

withal,  a  handsome  fellow  and  a  great  Hon  in  society.  It 
is  therefore  not  surprising,  that,  flushed  with  his  for- 
tuitous success,  or  rather  with  the  success  attending  his 
fortuitous  position,  he  did  not  wear  his  honors  with  any 
remarkable  meekness.  On  the  contrary,  his  bearing 
toward  the  commander-in-chief  was  far  from  respectful. 
He  did  not  even  write  to  Washington  on  the  occasion, 
until  after  a  considerable  time  had  elapsed.  In  the  first 
instance,  Wilkinson  was  sent  as  the  bearer  of  despatches 
to  congress,  but  did  not  reach  that  body  until  fifteen 
days  after  the  articles  of  capitulation  had  been  signed  ; 
and  three  days  more  were  occupied  in  arranging  his 
papers  before  they  were  presented.^  The  first  mention 
which  Washington  makes  of  the  defeat  of  Burgoyne,  is 
contained  in  a  letter  written  to  his  brother  on  the  i8th 
of  October,  the  news  having  been  communicated  to  him 
by  Governor  Clinton.  He  spoke  of  the  event  again  on 
the  19th,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  General  Putnam.  On 
the  25th,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  that  officer,  he  ac- 
knowledges the  reception  of  a  copy  of  the  articles  of 
capitulation  from  him  —  adding,  that  it  was  the  first 
authentic  intelligence  he  had  received  of  the  affair,  and 
that  he  had  begun  to  grow  uneasy,  and  almost  to  suspect 
that  the  previous  accounts  were  premature.  And  it 
was  not  until  the  2d  of  November  that  Gates  deigned 
to  communicate  to  the  commander-in-chief  a  word  upon 


*  "  It  was  on  this  occasion  that  one  of  the  members  made  a  motion 
In  congress,  that  they  should  compliment  Colonel  Wilkinson  with  the 
gift    of  a  pair  of  spurs." — Sparks. 


oyne. 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      131 


n  society.  It 
vith  his  for- 
attending  his 
lors  with  any 

his  beariniif 
m  respectful, 
the  occasion, 

In  the  first 
3f  despatches 
until  fifteen 
been  signed  ; 
rranging  his 
irst  mention 
Burgoyne,  is 
on  the  1 8th 
cated  to  him 
ent  again  on 
utnam.  On 
icer,  he   ac- 

articles  of 
i^as  the  first 
e  affair,  and 
st  to  suspect  ( 
ire.  And  it 
ites  deigned 
a  word  upon    , 


made  a  motion 
cinson  with   the 


the  subject,  and  then  only  incidentally,  as  though  it  were 
a  matter  of  secondary  importance.^ 

Transferred  three  years  afterward  to  the  chief  com- 
mand of  the  Southern  department,  his  disastrous  defeat 
and  irresolute,  not  to  say  cowardly,  conduct  soon  pricked 
the  bubble  of  his  reputation  ;  and  after  living  in  com- 
parative obscurity  for  several  years  on  his  farm  in  Virginia, 
he  died  in  the  city  of  New  York,  April  loth,  1806.=" 


*In  the  unfortunate  battle  of  Camden,  De  Kalb,  at  the  sacrifice  of  his 
life,  played  the  same  role  to  Gates  —  tho^.gh  without  the  same  result  — 
that  Arnold  did  in  the  battle  of  Saratoga.  Colonel,  Marquis  of  Armand, 
who  led  the  right  advance  at  Camden,  accused  Gates,  openly,  of  treason  and 
cowardice. 

^  Congress,  in  the  first  flush  of  its  gratitude,  decreed  that  Gates  should  be 
presented  with  a  medal  of  gold,  to  be  struck  expressly  in  commemoration 
of  so  glorious  a  victory.  On  one  side  of  it  was  the  bust  of  the  general, 
with  these  words  around  it  :  Horatio  Gates,  Duct  strenuo  ;  and  in  the 
middle,  Comitia  Americana.  On  the  reverse,  Burgoyne  was  represented  in 
the  attitude  of  delivering  his  sword  j  and  in  the  back  ground,  on  the  one 
side  and  on  the  other,  were  seen  the  two  armies  of  England  and  America. 
At  the  top  were  these  words,  Salus  re.gionum  Septentrional ;  and  at  the  foot, 
Hoste  ad  Saratngam  in  deditione  acccpta.  Die  XVII  Oct.  M.D.CCLXXFII. 
Mr.  Benson  J.  Lossing,  who  designed  the  seal  of  the  Saratoga  Monument 
Association,  has  incorporated  in  it  the  reverse  of  the  medal. 

In  his  domestic  relation  Gen.  Gates  was  an  alfectionate  husband  and 
father.  In  a  letter  to  his  wife,  written  from  Albany  three  days  after  the 
surrender,  he  says  : 

"The  voice  of  fame,  ere  this  reaches  you,  will  tell  how  greatly  fortunate 
we  have  been  in  this  department.  Bi'rgoyne  and  his  whole  army  have 
laid  down  their  arms,  and  surrendered  themselves  to  me  and  my  Yankees. 

this  triumphant  success. 


gi^ 


:tory 


got 


night  before  last,  and  all  now  are  camped  upon  the  heights  to  the  south  of 
this  city.  Major  General  Phillips,  who  wrote  me  that  saucy  note  last  year 
from  St.  Johns,  with  Lord  Petersham,  Major  Ackland,son  of  Sir  Thomas, 


132      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


.ii 


■ 


m 


XV. 

The  Battle  of  Saratoga  has  justly  been  designated  by 
Sir  Edward  Creasy  "  one  of  the  fifteen  decisive  battles  of 


and  his  lady,  daughter  of  Lord  Ilchester,  sister  to  the  famous  Lady  Susan,  and 
about  a  dozen  members  of  parliament,  Scotch  lords,  etc.,  are  among  the  cap- 
tured.     I  wrote  to  J.  Boone,  by  Mr.  Fluck,  an  engineer,  whom  I  permitted 
to  pass  to  Canada,  and  who  goes  immediately   from  thence  to   England.      I 
could   not  help,  in  a   modest  manner,   putting  him   in  mind  of   the  fete, 
champetre  that  I  three  years  ago  told  him   Burgoyne  would  meet  with  if  hu 
came  to  America.     If  Old  England  is  not  by  this  lesson  taught  humility, 
then  she  is  an  obstinate  old  slut,  bent  upon  her  ruin.      I  long   much  to  sec 
you,  and  have,  therefore,  sent   the  bearers  to  Albany  by  the  way  of  Read- 
ing, where  you  will  be  received  and  entertained  by  Mrs.  Potts.      Before  you 
leave   Reading,  you   m.v ..  take  advice  whether   to  come  by    Nazareth  or 
Bethlehem  ;   after  that  your  road   up  the  country  by  Van  Camp's,  through 
the  Mini    nks,  to  Hurley  and  Esopus,  is  plain  and  well  known  to  the  bearer. 
"  Don't  let  Bob's  zeal  to  get  to  papa,  hurry  you  faster  than,  considering 
the  length  of  the  journey,  you  ought  to  come.      If  you  come  by  Bethlehem, 
there  is  a  Mr.   Oakley,  who   holds  an  office  under  Mifflin,  who  will  pro- 
vide you  with  everything  you  may  have  occasion  for,  and  will  introduce  you 
to  Madame  Langton,  and  the  Bishop  and   Mrs.  ILiey,   etc.      Perhaps  you 
may  get  ruffles  to  your  apron  j   if  they  are  finished  I  desire  you  will  bespeak 
them. 

"  Tell  my  dear  Bob  not  to  be  too  elated  at  this  great  good  fortune  of  his 
father.  He  and  I  have  seen  many  days  adverse  as  well  as  prosperous.  Let 
us  through  life  endeavor  to  bear  both  with  an  equal  mind.  General  Bur- 
goyne has  promised  me  to  deliver  any  letters  I  please  to  commit  to  his  care 
in  England.  I  think  to  send  a  few  to  some  principal  men  there.  Perhaps 
they  may  have  a  good  effect  for  both  countries.  I  would  fain  have 
the  mother  reconciled  to  her  child,  and  consent,  since  she  is  big  enough 
to  be  married,  to  let  her  rule  and  govern  her  own  house.  I  hope  Lady 
Harriet  Ackland  will  be  here  when  you  arrive.  She  is  the  most  amiable, 
delicate  little  piece  of  quality  you  ever  beheld.  Her  husband  is  one  of  the 
prettiest  fellows  I  have  seen,  learned,  sensible,  and  an  Englisliman  to  all 


me. 


Campaign  of  General  Joh;^  Burgoyne,      ijj 


signated  by 
e  battles  of 

^ady  Susan,  and 
among  the  cap- 
om  I  permitted 
o  England.  I 
nd  of  the  fete. 
Tieet  with  if"  he 
lught  humility, 
ig  much  to  see 
:  way  of  Read- 
ts.  Before  you 
)y  Nazareth  or 
imp's,  through 
fi  to  the  bearer. 
an,  considering 
by  Bethlehem, 
who  will  pro- 
introduce  you 
Perhaps  you 
ou  will  bespeak 

d  fortune  of  his 
osperous.  Let 
General  Bur- 

mit  to  his  care 
nere.  Perhaps 
ould   fain   have 

is  big  enough 
I  hope  Lady 
:  most  amiable, 

d  is  one  of  the 

lishman  to  all 


history."  It  secured  for  the  American  colonies  the 
French  alliance,  and  lifted  the  cloud  of  moral  and  financial 
gloom  that  had  settled  upon  the  hearts  of  the  people, 
dampening  the  hopes  of  the  leaders  of  the  Revolution, 
and  wringing  despairing  words  even  from  the  hopeful 
Washington.  From  that  auspicious  day,  belief  in  the 
ultimate  triumph  of  American  liberty  never  abandoned 
the  nation  till  it  was  realized  and  sealed  four  years  later, 
almost  to  a  day,  in  the  final  surrender  at  Yorktown. 

A  century  has  elapsed  since  that  illustrious  event. 
All  the  actors  in  the  great  drama  have  passed  away,  and 
their  descendants  are  now  reaping  the  rewards  of  their 
devotion  and  suffering.  And  yet,  no  monument  has 
arisen  to  commemorate  that  turning  point  of  our  national 
destiny.  Lexington  and  Bunker  hill  have  their  imposing 
memorials  to  tell  of  the  earliest  bloodshed  in  the  cause 
of  Cisatlantic  freedom  ;  and,  in  our  own  day,  the  self  con- 
secration of  Anrietam  and  Gettysburg  are  made  enduring 
in  granite  records  for  the  admiration  of  generations  yet 
to  be.  The  purpose  is  noble,  the  tribute  deserved,  for 
every  such  memorial  stands  as  an  educator  to  gratitude 
and  patriotism. 


intents  and  purposes;  has  been  a  most  confounded  tory,  but  I  hope  to  make 
him  as  good  a  whig  as  myself  before  we  separate.  You  must  expect  bad 
and  cold  days  upon  the  journey;  therefore,  prepare  against  it.  I  thank  God 
I  am  pretty  well;  have  had  a  bad  cold,  with  loss  of  appetite  from  being 
continually  harassed  with  so  much  business;  but  I  hope  to  find  some  rest 
in  winter  and  much  comfort  in  your's  and  Bob's  company.  I  will  try  and 
i^^et  some  good  tea  for  you  from  some  of  the  English  officers.  Accept  my 
tcnderest  wishes  for  your  health  and  safety,  and  assure  my  dear  Bob  how 
much  I  am  interested  in  his  welfare.  Heaven  grant  us  a  happy  meeting."  — 
Gates's  papers  in  the  Nciu  York  Historical  Society. 


134      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


I'll 


liii 


Actuated  by  these  sentiments,  in  1859,  Hamilton  Fish, 
Horatio  Seymour,  Benson  J.  Lossing,  John  A.  Corey, 
and  other  patriotic  gentlemen  organized  the  Saratoga 
Monument  Association,  under  a  perpetual  charter  from 
the  state  of  New  York,  whose  object  was  the  erection 
of  a  fitting  memorial  on  the  site  of  Burgoyne's  surrender. 

It  is  proposed,  whenever  sufficient  funds  are  raised,  to 
make  the  s  -uct'  '  ol  granite,  and  of  the  obelisk  form  and 
eighty  feet  ^:^^yr-^.ic  at  the  base,  ten  feet  at  the  summit, 
two  hundred  ^d  «-hirty  feet  in  height.  Within  the 
monument  the  first  story  is  one  room  designed  for  histo- 
rical tablets,  relics  and  memorials.  On  the  four  corners 
of  the  platform  are  co  be  mounted  four  of  the  large  and 
ornamental  brass  guns  taken  from  the  English  at  the 
time  of  the  surrender.  Of  the  large  niches  in  the  four 
gables,  three  are  to  be  filled  with  appropriate  groups  of 
sculpture  in  bronze  representing  the  three  Generals, 
Schuyler,  Gates,  and  Morgan,  with  their  accessories,  the 
fourth  being  vacant,  with  the  word  Arnold  inscribed 
underneath.  The  association  expect  to  obtain  by  pur- 
chase five  acres  of  land  from  the  Prospect  Cemetery 
Association  of  Schuylerville  as  a  site  for  the  monu- 
ment—  the  corner  stone  of  which  is  to  be  laid,  on  the 
centennial  of  the  surrender,  Oct.  17th,  1877,  with  ap- 
propriate ceremonies.  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour  of  Utica, 
N.  Y.,  will  deliver  the  oration,  and  Alfred  B.  Street  of 
Albany,  N.  Y.,  the  poem.  It  is  a  high  bluff,  sixty 
feet  above  the  alluvial  meadow  bordering  the  river,  and 
overlooks  the  spot  where  the  British  laid  down  their 
arms.     It  is  as  near,  as  can  conveniently  be  placed,  to 


Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,      135 

where  the  head-quarters  of  Gates  were  situated,  which 
witnessed  the  formal  surrender  of  Burgoyne's  sword,  and 
the  unfurling,  for  the  first  time,  of  the  stars  and  stripes.* 


'  It  is  true,  that  a  flag,  intended  for  the  stars  and  stripes,  and  made  out  of 
a  white  shirt  and  some  bits  of  red  cloth  from  the  petticoat  of  a  soldier's  wife, 
first  floated  on  captured  standards  on  the  ramparts  of  Fort  Stanwix  (Aug. 
5th,  ^777),  but  the  stars  and  stripes  as  we  now  see  them  —  except  as  to 
the  number  of  the  stars  —  was  first  unfurled  to  grace  the  surrender  at  Saratoga, 
Oct.  17th,  1777. —  Gen.  J.  Watts  De  Peyster's  Justice  to  Schuyler.  The 
Fort  Stanwix  flag,  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Abram  Lansing,  of 
Albany,  a  descendant  of  Gen.  Gansevoort,  by  whom  it  is  cheri^'^ed  as  a  most 
precious  relic. 

A  reliable  guide  book  to  the  Saratoga  battle  ground  -a  Wi.rk  long 
needed — has  been  recently  written  and  published  by  Mrs.  Ellen  Hardin 
Walworth,  of  Saratoga  Springs  —  a  grand-daughter  of  C  \  Hardin  of 
Kentucky  who  was  in  the  battles,  and  present  at  the     urrender. 


SEAL  OF  THE  SARATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


liJli 


--'wmwg^fiiffW'?yri"tr:>g?ayig!ifi!mgii 


'-siwr'^'gmjUt.mumig  »!«■■! 


EXF 


PART    !  !  . 


THE 

EXPEDITION  OF  LIEUT.  COLONEL 

BARRY  ST.  LEGER. 


i  iiil 


Furo^u'of/f  J/<fyaz//ie. 


,1 .1 


fuM/hA/Jrarc/f  2<)'*/;^0^ /yJS<'y,>^/ychrnM/ 


t:# 


THE  EXPEDITION 


OF 


COLONEL  BARRY  ST.  LEGLR/ 


'^  rE!VIPORANP:OUSLY  with  the  descent  of 

fitc    upon    Northern    New  York,    Colonel    Barry 
i.r^rer,  as  stated  in  Part  First,  had  been  despatched 
.lontreal,  by   the  way   of  the   St.    Lawrence  and 
*  hitario,  to  Oswego,  there  to  /orni  a  junction  with 
^    Jans  and   loyalists   under  Sir  John  Johnson  and 
..  Brant.      From  Oswego,  St.  Le-j;er  was  to  penr- 
y  the   way   of  Oneida   lake  and    Wood   creek   to 
Mahawk  river,  with  a  view  ot"  forming  a  junction 
o    ^h;j    direction    with    Burgoync,   on   his  arrival   in 
*..,        The  alum  everywhere  felt  on  the  approach 
Hnrm^nc  from  the  North,  was  p;reatlv  increased  in 
l>v on  county,  on  receiving  intelligence  of  the  contcm- 
i  invasion  by  the  Indians   and   h)yalists  from    the 
est.     The  news  of  this  movement  was  first  brought 


^     K 


'  This  account  is  taken,  in  the  main,  from  my  Father^.  Life  of  h rant  — 
*  Heing  t)i^  most  accurate  and  thorough  nalrration  of  Sr.  Leper's  expedition 
*'  {  w?ritten.  I  have,  however,  added  a  number  '.A  iioti;a  anJ  Uiade  4  Jevr 
fdNlicions  to  the  tt^xt. 

*  Surgoyne's  Slate  of  the  Exped(tkny  Appendli,  p.  sflfc 


/ 


/  ^U/M/ci) 


// 


c/// 


hi/'ii/kr^/Jlarc/,  20'*/;<^^  fyJS^i^'t//d;rrtM/ 


THE  EXPEDITION 


OF 


LIEUT.  COLOiNEL  BARRY  ST.  LEGER.^ 


lONTEMPORANEOUSLY  with  the  descent  of 
Burgoyne    upon    Northern   New  York,    Colonel    Barry 
St.  Leger,  as  stated  in  Part  First,  had  been  despatched 
from   Montreal,  by   the  way  of  the  St.   Lawrence  and 
Lake  Ontario,  to  Oswego,  there  to  form  a  junction  with 
the  Indians  and   loyalists   under  Sir  John  Johnson  and 
Captain  Brant.     From  Oswego,  St.  Leger  was  to  pene- 
trate by  the  way  of  Oneida  lake  and  Wood  creek  to 
the   Mohawk  river,  with  a  view  of  forming  a  junction 
from   that    direction   with    Burgoyne,   on   his  arrival  in 
Albany.^     The  ak^.rm  everywhere  felt  on  the  approach 
of  Burgoyne  from  the  North,  was  greatly  increased  in 
Tryon  county,  on  receiving  intelligence  of  the  contem- 
plated invasion  by  the  Indians   and  loyalists  from    the 
West.     The  news  of  this  movement  was  first  brought 


^  This  account  is  taken,  in  the  main,  from  my  father's  Life  of  Brant  — 
as  being  the  most  accurate  and  th(  ough  r.arration  of  St.  Leger's  expedition 
yet  written.  I  have,  however^  added  a  number  of  notes  and  made  a  fe\Y 
additions  to  the  text. 

^  Burgoyne's  State  of  the  Expeditiotiy  Appendix,  p.  xii. 


I  I 


140      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

to  the  inhabitants  by  an  Oneida  haif-breed  sach'r.n  naii^ed 
Thomas  Spencer,  who  came  therewith  direct  ti  jin 
Canada,  whither  be  had  gojie  as  a  secret  emissary  to 
obtain  information.  Spencer  stated  that  he  had  been 
present  at  a  council  held  at  the  Indian  castle  of  Cass;.s- 
senny,  at  which  Colonel  Claus  presided.^  According  to 
Thomas's  relation.  Colonel  Claus  strongly  urged  the 
Indians  to  join  in  the  expedition  into  the  Mohawk  valley 
by  the  western  approach  ;  boasting  of  the  strength  of  the 
army  under  Burgoyne,  which  had  gone  against  Ticon- 
deroga,  and  the  number  of  Indians  with  them,  and  before 
whom  he  assured  them  Ticonderoga  would  fall.  "  Yes," 
said  Colonel  Claus,  "  Ticonderoga  is  mine.  This  is 
true  :  you  may  depend  on  it,  and  not  one  gun  sl^all  be 
fired."  Singularly  enough,  th')ugh  improbable  at  the 
time,  the  prediction,  as  we  have  seen,  was  literally  ful- 
filled. '•'-  llie  same,"  added  the  superintendent,  "  is  true 
of  Fort  Schuyler.  I  am  sure  that  when  I  come  before 
that  fort,  and  the  commanding  officer  shall  see  me,  he 
also  will  not  fire  a  shot,  i-.  vvill  surrender  the  fort  to 
me."  The  Oneida  sacheni  farther  informed  the  people 
that  Sir  John  Johnson  and  Colonel  Claus  were  then  at 
Oswego  with  their  families,  with  seven  hundred  Indians 
and  four  hundred  regular  troops.  There  were  also  six 
hundred  tories  on  one  of  the  islands  above  Oswegatchie 
preparing  to  join  them  ;  and  Colonel  Butler  was  lo  arrive 
at  Oswego  on  the  14th  of  July  from  Niagara,  to  hold  a 


'Colonel  Uapicl  Claus,  a  hrother-in-law  of  Sirjolin  Johnston,  had  cither 
superseded  Cuy  Jolinii.n  as  Indian  sup^iiintendent  in  Canada,  or  been  ap 
poi'iied  a  deputy. 


;on.  had  either 


Expedition  of  Li.  Col.  Barry  St,  Leger.      141 

council  with  the  Six  Nations,  to  all  of  wlioai  he  would 
ofFer  the  hatchet  to  join  them  and  strike  the  Americans. 
Thomas  thereupon  concluded  his  communication  in  the 
following  speech  : 

"  Brothers  :  Now  is  vour  time  to  awake,  and  not  to 
sleep  longer  ;  or,  on  the  contrary,  it  shall  go  with  Fort 
Schuyler  as  it  went  already  with  Ticonderoga. 

"  Brothers  :  I  therefore  desire  you  to  be  spirited, 
and  to  encourage  one  anothi^r  to  march  on  to  the  assist- 
ance of  Fort  Schuyler.  Come  up,  and  show  yourselves 
as  men,  to  defend  and  save  your  country  before  it  is  too 
late.  Despatch  yourselves  to  clear  the  brush  about  the 
fort,  and  send  a  party  to  cut  trees  in  the  Wood  creek  to 
stop  up  the  same. 

"  Brother;,  :  If  you  don't  come  soon,  without  delay, 
to  assist  this  place,  we  cannot  stay  much  longer  on  your 
side  ;  for  if  you  leave  this  fort  without  succor,  and  the 
enemy  shall  get  possessi'Mi  thereof,  we  shall  suffer  like 
you  in  your  settlements,  and  shall  be  destroyed  with  you. 
We  are  suspicious  that  your  enemies  have  engaged  the 
Indians,  and  endeavor  daily  yet  to  strike  and  fight  against 
you  ;  and  General  Schuyler  refuses  always  that  we  shall 
take  up  arms  in  the  country's  behalf. 

'^  Brothers  :  I  can  assure  you,  that  as  soon  as  Butler's 
speech  at  Oswego  shall  be  over,  they  intend  to  march 
down  the  country  immediately  to  Albany.  You* may 
judge  yourselves  that  if  you  doii't  try  to  resist,  we  shall 
be  obliged  to  join  them  or  fly  from  our  castles,  as  we 
cannot  hinder  them  alone.  We,  the  good  friends  of  the 
Country,  are  of  opinion,  that  if  more  force     ppears  at 

13 


'}'^> 


\[. 


.  I  i 


1 42       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Fort  Schuyler,  the  enemy  will  not  move  from  Oswego 
to  invade  these  frontiers.  You  mav  depend  on  it  we 
are  willing  to  help  y.ju  if  you  will  do  some  efforts  too." 


The  counsel  of  the  faithful  Oneida 


som( 

was 


;ith 


er  early 


enough,  nor  was  it  seconded  with  sufficient  promptitude 
on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants.  Indeed,  it  must  be  con- 
fessed, that,  as  the  storm  of  w?r  rolled  onward,  gathering 
at  once  from  different  directions,  and  threatening  daily 
to  break  upon  them  with  increasing  fury,  many  of  the 
yeoman  who  had  hitherto  borne  themselves  nobly,  began 
to  falter.  A  spirit  of  disaffection  had  also  been  moie 
widely  diffused  among  the  settlements  than  could  have 
been  supposed  from  the  previous  patriotic  conduct  of 
the  people,  while  treason  lurked  in  many  places  where 
least  suspected.  Upon  this  subject,  and  with  special 
reference  to  the  popular  feeling  and  conduct  in  Tryon 
county.  John  Jav,  then  sittmg  in  the  state  convention  at 
Kingston,  addressed  the  following  letter  to  Gouverneur 
Morris,  a  member  of  the  council  of  safety,  who  was 
at  that  tim'^  with  General  Schuyler  in  the  North  : 

John  Jay  to  Governeur  Morris. 

Kingston^  July  2tj/,  1777. 
"•  Deak  Morris, 

^*  The  situation  of  Tryon  county  is  both  shameful  and 
alarming.  Buch  abject  dejection  and  despondency,  as 
mark  the  letters  we  have  received  from  thence,  disgrace 
human  nature.  God  knows  what  to  do  with,  or  for 
t'^.cm.  Were  they  alone  interested  in  their  fate,  I  should 
be  for  leaving  their  cart  in  the  slough  till  they  would 
put  their  shoulders  to  the  wheel. 


"Sc 
things 
been    \ 
wide  ; 
are  fa  Is 
We  CO 
for  the 
to  say 
say  not 
fied,  or 
at  their 

I  Refer 

justice  doi 

was   probi 

cepted,  w 

cess  of  th 

New  Eng 

wrongful! 

Ticondero 

The   ener 

groundless 

artful  and 

in  his  intt 

until  it  bc' 

districts,  ai 

both  Cong 

upon  the 

patriot,  no 

of  these  m 

formally  c 

of  a  brav( 

understood 

jealousy. 


yne. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     143 


im  Oswego 
d  on  it  we 
eftbrts  too." 
either  early 
promptitude 
lust  be  con- 
•d,  gathering 
tening   daily 
Tjany  of  the 
nobly,  began 
)  been   moie 
could   have 
conduct  of 
ilaces  where 
with    special 
ct  in  Tryon 
onvention  at 
Gouverneur 
y,  who  was 
Forth  : 


Tj/,  1777. 

>hameful  and 
)ondency,  as 
ice,  disgrace 
with,  or  fol- 
ate, I  should 
they  would 


"  Schuyler  has  his  enemies  here,  and  they  use  these 
things  to  his  disadvantage.  Suspicions  of  his  having 
been  privy  to  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderop;a  spread 
wide  ;  and  twenty  little  circumstances,  whicr  perhaps 
are  false,  are  trumped  up  to  give  color  to  the  conjecture.^ 
We  could  wish  that  your  letters  might  contain  paragraphs 
for  the  public.  We  are  silent  because  we  have  nothing 
to  say  ;  and  the  people  suspect  the  worst  because  we 
say  nothing.  Their  curiosity  must  be  constantly  grati- 
fied, or  they  will  be  uneasy.  Indeed,  I  do  not  wonder 
at  their  impatience,  the  late  northern  events  having  been 


I  Reference  has  already  been  made,  in  the  text  of  Part  First,  to  the  in- 
justice done  towards  General  Schuyler  during  this  memorable  year.  There 
was  probably  no  officer  in  the  service,  the  commander-in-chief  alone  ex- 
cepted, who  was  considered  by  the  enemy  so  great  an  obstacle  to  the  suc- 
cess of  their  arms.  A  narrow  sectional  prejudice  existed  against  him  in 
New  England.  The  failure  of  the  Canadian  campaign  had  been  most 
wrongfully  attributed  to  him  in  1776,  and  with  equal  injustice  the  fall  of 
Ticonderoga  was  now  charged  to  his  remissness  by  his  own  countrymen. 
The  enemy  were  not  slow  to  avail  themselves  of  these  prejudices  and 
groundless  imputations,  and  through  the  agency  of  the  tories,  the  most 
artful  and  insidious  means  were  employed  to  destroy  the  public  confidence 
in  his  integrity  and  capacity.  The  flame  of  suspicion  was  fanned  by  them 
until  it  became  general,  and  was  openly  avowed.  Committees,  towns,  and 
districts,  assembled,  and  passed  resolves  expressing  their  distrust  in  him,  and 
both  congress  and  the  provincial  legislature  of  New  York  were  addressed 
upon  the  subject.  General  Schuyler,  than  whom  there  was  not  a  truer 
patriot,  nor  a  more  earnest  or  active  in  the  public  service,  was  well  aware 
of  these  movements.  To  a  committee  of  the  provincial  congress,  who  Iiad 
formally  communicated  the  charges  to  him,  he  returned  an  a  iswer  worthy 
of  a  brave  and  magnanimous  soldier.  The  character  of  this  answer  will  be 
understood  from  this  single  sentence  :  "  We  mu-t  bear  with  tkc  caprice, 
jealousy^  and  envy  of  uur  misguided  friends,  and  pity  them." 


144       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

such  as  to  have  occasioned  alarm  and  suspicion.      I  have 

not   leisure  to  add  anything   more,  than  that  I  am,  very 

sincerelv,  yours,  etc. 

'*•  John  Jay." 

As  early  as  the  loth  of  April,  Colonel  Robert  Van 
Rensselaer  wrote  to  a  friend,  that  the  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  had  applied  to  him  tor  the  assistance 
of  his  militia,  to  quell  an  insurrection  ot  the  loyalists  in 
Sallston  ;  but  such  was  the  condition  of  his  own  regi- 
ment, that  he  was  obliged  to  decline  the  request.  The 
spirit  of  disaffection  had  becoine  so  prevalent  among  his 
men,  that  numbers  of  them  had  taken  the  oath  of  secrecy 
and  allegiance  to  Great  Britain.  However,  he  added 
that  seventeen  of  the  villains  had  been  arrested  by  the 
vigilance  of  the  officers,  and  were  then  in  confinement  ; 
and  a  hope  was  indulged  of  being  able  to  detect  the 
whole. ^  Early  in  the  following  month  the  residue  of 
the  Roman  Catholic  Scot 'h  settlers  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Johnstown  ran  ofF  to  Canada,  together  with  some  of 
the  loyalist  Germans  —  all  headed  by  two  men  named 
M'Donald,  who  had  been  permitted  by  General  Schuy- 
ler to  visit  their  families.  The  fact  that  the  wives  and 
families  of  the  absconding  loyalists  were  holding  com- 
munications with  them,  and  administering  to  their  sub- 
sistence on  the  outskirts  of  the  settlements,  had  suggested 
their  arrest,  and  removal  to  a  place  of  safety,  to  the 
number  of  four  hundred  — a  measure  tliat  was  approved 


'  Ms.  documents  in  the  Department  of  State,  Albany. 


ne, 

1.     I  have 
I  am,  very 

N  Jay." 

Lobert  Van 
nan  of  the 
;  assistance 
loyalists  in 
,  own   regi- 
uest.      The 
:  among  his 
1  of  secrecy 
•,   he    added 
isted  by  the 
mfinement  ; 
I  detect  the 
;  residue  of 
io;hborhood 
th  some  of 
men  named 
eral  Schuy- 
wivcs  and 
IJing  com- 
D  their  sub- 
1  suggested 
fety,  to   the 
as  approved 


u 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St,  Leget,    I45 

by  General  Herkimer^  and  his  officers.'*  Alarming  re- 
ports of  various  descriptions  were  continually  in  circula- 
tion, and  the  inhabitants  were  harassed  beyond  measure 
by  the  necessity  of  performing  frequent  tours  of  military 
duty  — acting  as  scouts  and  reconnoitering  parties  ;  and 
standing,  some  of  them,  as  sentinels  around  their  fields, 
while  others  did  the  labor.  No  neighborhood  felt  secure, 
and  all  were  apprehensive  that  the  whole  country  would 
be  ravaged  by  the  Indians  ;  while  parties  of  the  dis- 
afi-'ected  were  continually  stealing  away  to  augment  the 
ranks  of  the  enemy.  Thus  circumstanced,  and  at  the 
very  moment  when  they  were  called  upon  to  reinforce 
Fort  Schuyler,  the  committee  both  of  Palatine  and  Scho- 
harie, feeling  that  they  were  not  strong  enough  even  for 
self-defence,  were  calling  upon  the  council  of  safety  at 
Albany  to  send  additional  forces  for  theii  protection. 
Mr.  Paris  wrote  repeatedly  upon  the  subject.  The 
Schoharie  committee.^  on  the  17th  of  July,  wrote  very 
frankly,  that  "  the  late  advantages  gained  by  the  enemy 
had  such  an  effect,  that  many  who  had  been  counted  as 
friends  of  the  state  were  drawing  back.  ''  Our  situation,"  he 
added,  "  is  deplorable  —  excepting  those  who  have  sought 
protection  from  the  enemy.  We  are  entirely  open  to 
the  Indians  and  tories,  whom  we  expect  every  hour  to 
come  upon  us.     Part  of  our  militia  are  at  Fort  Edward  ; 


'  Heikheimer  [Er^heimcr],  by  which  name  he  was  known —  was  a  man 
in  the  prime  of  years,  between  forty-six  and  fifty,  and  a  son  of  the  soil  —  a 
tiller  of  it  who  had  amassed  an  honest  independence  by  labor  and  frugality. 

^MS.  documents  in  the  Department  of  State,  Albany  —  Letter  of  Isaac 
Paris. 


!:i,:, 


146       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

and  of  the  few  that  are  here,  many  are  unwilling  to  take 
up  arms  to  defend  t'nemselves,  as  they  are  unable  to  stand 
against  so  many  enennes.  Therefore  if  your  honors  do 
not  grant  us  immediate  relief  to  the  amount  of  about  five 
hundred  men,  we  nmst  either  fall  a  prey  to  ihe  enemy, 
or  take  protection  also."  ^  On  the  1 8th  of  July,  General 
Schuyler  wrote  to  the  Hon.  Pierre  Van  C'^urtlandt,  from 
Saratoga,  and  again  on  the  21st  from  Fort  Edward,  to 
the  same  effect,  "  I  am  exceedingly  chagrined,"  he 
says,  "  at  the  pusillanimous  spirit  which  prevails  in  the 
county  of  Tryon.  I  apprehend  much  of  it  is  to  be  at- 
tributed to  the  infidelity  of  the  leading  persons  of  tiiat 
quarter."  "  If  I  had  one  thousand  regular  troops,  in 
addition  to  those  now  above  and  on  the  march,  I  should 
venture  to  keep  only  every  third  man  of  the  militia,  and 
would  send  them  down."  "  The  substance  of  Colonel 
Harper's  information  had  been  transmitted  about  a  month 
ago.  In  consequence  whereof,  I  sent  Colonel  Van 
Schaick  into  Tryon  county  with  as  many  troops  as  1 
could  collect.  After  the  improper  agreement  made  by 
General  Herkimer,^  these  troops  were  marched  back  ;  H 
but  as  soon  as  I  was  informed  of  the  march,  I  ordered 
them  to  remain  in  Tryon  county,  where  they  are  still,  '| 
and  I  have  sent  up  Colonel  Wesson's  regiment  to  rein- 
force them.  But  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  judge  of  the 
temper  of  General  Herkimer  and  the  committee  of  Tryon 


^  MS.  correspondence   with  the  Provincial   Congress  —  Secretary's  office, 
Albany. 

^  Probably  referring  to  the  interview  between   Herkimer  and   Brant  at 
Unadilla. 


yne, 

ling  to  take 
hie  to  stand 
r  honors  do 
)t'  about  five 
the  enemy, 
uly,  General 
rtlandt,  from 
Edward,  to 
igrined,"   he 
evails  in  the 
:  is  to  be  at- 
sons  of  tliat 
ir   troops,   in 
ch,  I  should 
2  militia,  and 
"  of  Colonel 
30ut  a  month 
Jolonel  Van 
troops  as  1 
ept  made  by 
ched  back  ; 
h,  I  ordered 
ley  are  still, 
inent  to  rein- 
judge  of  the 
tee  of  Tryon 

Secretary's  office, 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     147 

county,  from  their  letters  to  me,  nothing    will    satisfy 
them   unless  I  march  the  whole  army  into  that  quarter. 
With  deference  to  the  better  judgment  of  the  council  of 
safety,  I  cannot  by  any  means  think  it  prudent  to  bring 
on  an  open  rupture  with  the  savages  at  the  present  time. 
The  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county  are  already  too  much 
inclined  to  lay  down  their  arms,  and  take  whatever  terms 
the  enemy  may  please  to  aftord  them.      Half  the  militia 
from   this  (Tryon)  county,  and  the   neighboring  state  of 
Massachusetts,  we  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  dis- 
missing ;  but  the  whole  should  go."      "  I  enclose  you  the 
proceedings  of  a  council  of  general  otHcers,  held  at  this 
place  on  the  20th  instant.      You   will  perceive  that  we 
have  been  driven   to  the   necessity  of  allowing  some  of 
the  militia  to  return  to  their  plantation.     The  remainder 
have  promised  to  remain  three  weeks  longer  —  that  is 
to  say,  unless  they  choose  to  return  sooner,  which  will 
doubtless  be  the  case,  and   for  which   they  have   many 
reasons."  ^ 

The  complaints  of  General  Schuyler  were  not  without 
just  foundation,  as  the  reader  has  alreadv  seen.  Indeed, 
hoth  regulars  and  militia  in  Tryon  county,  seemed  for 
the  moment  to  have  lost  all  the  high  qualities  of  soldiers 
or  citizens.  Of  two  hundred  militiamen  ordered  to 
muster  and  join  the  garrison  of  Fort  Schuyler,  only  a 
part  obeyed  ;  while  two  companies  of  regular  troops,  re- 
ceiving the  like  orders,  entered  upon  the  service  with 
great   reluctance,   and    not    without    urging   various   ex- 


ler  and  Brant  at 


'  MS.  Cor.  Council  of  Safety  —  Secretary's  office,  Albany. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


11.25 


|5o   "^™     MBB 

^  ^   12.2 
1^    12.0 


us 


IE 


r. 


v^ 


7 


**  .:»* 


«>■ 


Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


as  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WIBSTIR.N.Y.  14510 

(716)  S7a-4503 


,f^ 


I.   I 


~  I 


148       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

cuses  —  complaining  that  service  in  scouting  parties  had 
unfitted  them  for  garrison  duty.''  Under  circumstances 
of  such  discouragement,  it  was  a  time  of  peculiar  trial 
to  the  officers  and  committee  of  safety.  Tryon  county 
had  early  espoused  the  cause  of  freedom,  and  apparently 
with  greater  unanimity  than  any  other  county  in  the 
state  ;  and  the  extensive  defection,  or  criminal  apathy, 
which  we  have  just  been  contemplating,  was  altogether 
unexpected.  But  a  crisis  was  approaching,  which  ne- 
cessity soon  obliged  them  to  meet.  Accordingly,  on  the 
17th  of  July,  General  Herkimer  issued  a  patriotic  pro- 
clamation to  the  inhabitants  of  the  county,  announcing 
the  gathering  of  the  enemy  at  Oswego,  "  Christians  and 
savages,"  to  the  number  of  two  thousand  strong,  with 
the  intention  of  invading  the  frontier,  and  calling  upon 
the  people  en  masse^  to  be  ready  at  a  moment's  warning 
to  repair  to  the  field,  with  arms  and  accoutrements,  on 
the  approach  of  the  enemy.  Those  in  health,  from 
sixteen  to  sixty  years  of  age,  were  designated  for  actual 
service  ;  while  those  above  sixty  ycc^rs  of  i  ge,  or  invalids, 
were  directed  to  arm  for  the  defence  of  the  women  and 
children  at  whatever  place  they  might  be  gathered  in  for 
safety.  Concerning  the  disaiiected,  and  those  who  might 
refuse  to  obey  the  orders,  it  was  directed  in  the  proclam- 
ation that  they  should  be  arrested,  their  arms  secured, 
and  themselves  placed  under  guard  to  join  the  main  body. 
All  the  members  of  the  committee,  and  all  those  who,  by 
reason  of  having  formerly  held  commissions,  had  become 


Annals  of  Tryon  County. 


Expedition  of  Lt,  CoL  Barry  St.  Leger.     149 

exempts  from  service,  were  invited  to  repair  to  the  ren- 
dezvous, and  aid  in  repulsing  the  foe  :  "  not  doubting 
that  the  Almighty  Power,  upon  our  humble  prayers,  and 
sincere  trust  in  Him,  will  then  graciously  succor  our 
arms  in  battle  for  our  just  cause,  and  victory  cannot  fail 
oil  our  side." 

The  Oneida  Indians,  who  were  sincerely  disposed  to 
favor  the  cau'^e  of  the  United  States,  but  who,  pursuant 
to  the  humane  policy  of  congress  and  the  advice  of 
General  Schuyler,  had  determined  to  preserve  their  neu- 
trality, beheld  the  approaching  invasion  from  Oswego 
with  no  small  degree  of  apprehension.  The  course  they 
had  marked  out  for  themselves,  as  they  were  well  av/are, 
was  viewed  with  displeasure  by  their  Mohawk  brethren, 
while  the  other  members  of  their  confederacy  were  ob- 
viouslv  inclined  to  side  with  their  '*  Uncle. "^  Living, 
moreover,  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Fort  Schuy- 
ler, where  St.  Leger's  first  blow  must  be  struck,  they 
were  not  a  little  troubled  in  the  prospect  of  what  might 
happen  to  themselves.  The  watchful  Thomas  Spencer, 
therefore,  despatched  the  following  letter  to  the  com- 
mittee on  the  29th  of  July  which  was  received  on  the 
30th  : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  chiefs,  they  tell  me  that  there 
is  but  four  days  remaining  of  the  time  set  for  the  king's 
troops  to  come  to  Fort  Schuyler,  and  they  think  it  likely 
they  will  be  here  sooner. 


'In   the  Six  Nations,  the    Mohawks — the    head   tribe  —  were    called 
"  uncle."     The  Oneidas  were  "  the  elder  brother,"  etc. 


150      (  ampaign  of  General  John  Bur^oyne, 


"The  chiefs  desire  the  commanding  officers  at  Fort 
Schuyler  not  to  make  a  Ticonderoga  of  it  ;  but  they  hope 
you  will  be  courageous. 

"  They  desire  General  Schuyler  may  have  this  with 
speed,  and  send  a  good  army  here  ;  there  is  nothing  lo 
do  at  New  York  ;  we  think  there  is  men  to  be  spared  — 
we  expect  the  road  is  stopped  to  the  inhabitants  by  a 
party  through  the  woods  ;  we  shall  be  surrounded  as 
soon  as  they  come.  This  may  be  our  last  advice,  as 
these  soldiers  are  part  of  those  that  are  to  hold  a  treaty. 
Send  this  to  the  committee  —  as  soon  as  they  receive  it, 
let  the  militia  rise  up  and  come  to  Fort  Schuyler. 

"To-morrow  we  are  a-going  to  the  Three  rivers*  to 
the  treaty.  We  expect  to  meet  the  warriors,  and  when 
we  come  there  and  declare  we  are  for  peace,  we  expect 
to  be  used  with  indifference  and  sent  away. 

"Let  all  the  troops  that  come  to  Fort  Schuyler  take 
care  on  their  march,  as  there  is  a  party  of  Indians  to  stop 
the  road  below  the  fort,  ab«mt  80  or  lOO.  We  hear  they 
are  to  bring  their  cannon  up  Fish  creek.  We  hear  there 
is  lOOJ  going  to  meet  the  enemy.  We  advise  not  — 
the  army  is  too  large  for  so  few  men  to  defend  the  fort  — 
we  send  a  belt  of  eight  rows  to  confirm  the  truth  of  what 
we  say. 

"  It  looks  likely  to  me  the  troops  are  near  —  hope  all 
friends  to  liberty,  and  that  love  their  families,  will  not 
be  backward,  but  exert  themselves  ;  as  one  resolute  blow 


"  The  junction  of  the  Oneida,  Seneca,  and    Oswego  rivers  —  not  Three 
Rivers  in  Canada. 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St,  Leger,     151 

would  secure  the  friendship  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  al- 
most free  this  part  of  the  country  from  the  incursions 
of  the  enemy."  * 

The  certainty  that  the  invaders  were  thus  approach- 
ing, the  earnestness  of  the  appeals  of  the  committee  to 
the  patriotism  of  the  people,  the  influence  of  the  pro- 
clamation of  the  German  general,  who  was  a  much  bet- 
ter man  thai*  officer,  save  only  in  the  single  attribute  of 
courage ;  and,  above  all,  the  positive  existence  of  a 
common  danger  from  which  there  was  no  escape  ;  were 
circumstances,  together,  not  without  their  effect.  And 
although  the  eleventh  hour  had  arrived,  yet  the  militia, 
and  all  upon  whom  the  call  to  arms  had  been  made, 
now  began  to  move  with  a  degree  of  alacrity  and  an 
exhibition  of  spirit  that  went  far  to  atone  for  the  un- 
patriotic, if  not  craven,  symptoms  already  noticed. 

Meantime,  having  completed  his  organization  at  Os- 
wego, Lieut.  Colonel  St.  Leger  commenced  his  march 
upon  Port  Schuyler,  moving  by  the  route  already  indi- 
cated, though  with  great  circumspection.  The  name 
of  this  place  of  rendezvous  has  already  recurred  more 
than  once,  or  twice,  in  the  preceding  pages.  Its  posi- 
tion was  important,  and  it  had  been  a  place  of  renown 
in  the  earlier  wars  of  the  colony.  The  river  bearing 
the  same  name,  which  here  pours  northwardly  into 
Lake   Ontario,   is   the   outlet  both   of  the  Oneida  and 


Irs  —  not  Three 


'  MS.  letter  among  the  papers  of  General  Gansevoort.  Thomas 
Spencer  was  a  blacksmith,  who  had  resided  among  the  Cayugas,  and  was 
greatly  beloved  by  the  Indians. —  Letter  from  General  Schuyler  to  Colonel 
Dayton  —  Gansevoort  papers. 


m\ 


152      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Seneca  rivers,  through  which,  and  their  tributary 
strean  s,  it  is  connected  with  the  chain  of  small  lakes 
bearing  the  names  of  Oneida,  Cazenovia,  Skaneateles, 
Owasco,  Cayuga,  Seneca,  and  Canandaigua.  Its 
estuary,  of  course,  forms  the  natural  opening  into  the 
rich  district  of  country  surrounding  these  lakes,  which, 
down  to  the  period  of  the  present  histor) ,  contained  the 
principal  towns  of  four  of  the  five  rations  of  Indians. 
During  the  wars  between  the  French  and  Five  Nations, 
Oswego  was  repeatedly  occupied  by  the  armies  of  the 
former.  It  was  here  that  Count  Frontenac  landed,  on, 
his  invasion  of  the  Onondaga  country  in  1691,  at  which 
time,  or  subsequently,  a  considerable  military  work  was 
erected  on  the  western  side  of  the  river.  During  the 
war  with  France,  which  was  closed  in  America  by  the 
con'iquest  in  Canada,  it  was  in  the  occupancy  of  the 
Provincials  and  English.  The  expedition  destined  to 
descend  the  St.  Lawrence  upon  Montreal,  was  assem- 
bled at  this  point  in  1759,  after  the  fall  of  Niagara, 
under  General  Shirley  and  Sir  William  Johnson.  The 
army  was  encamped  here  several  weeks,  and  finally 
broke  up  without  attempting  its  main  object  —  owing,  as 
Sir  William  Johnson  intimates  in  his  private  diary,  to  a 
want  of  Ciiergy  on  the  part  of  Shirley.  After  the  fall  of 
Quebec  and  Montreal  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  a 
battalion  of  the  55th  regiment  was  stationed  at  Oswego, 
under  Major  Duncan,  a  brother  of  the  naval  hero  of 
Camperdown.  A  new  and  far  more  formidable  work 
was  constructed  upon  the  eastern  or  northeastern 
promontory,   formed   by   the   embouchure  of  the   river 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     153 

into  the  lake.  The  new  position  was  far  better  chosen 
for  a  fortress  than  the  old  ;  and,  ultimately,  before  the 
Britons  were  dispossessed  of  it  by  the  Americans,  it  be- 
came a  work  of  somewhat  formidable  strength  and  di- 
mensions. The  situation  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
that  can  be  imagined  ;  and  during  the  two  or  three 
years  in  which  Major  Duncan  was  in  command,  by  the 
cultivation  of  a  large  garden,  the  laying  out  and  im- 
proving of  a  bowling-green  and  other  pleasure-grounds, 
it  was  rendered  a  little  paradise  in  the  wilderness.' 

All  told,  the  army  of  St.  Leger  consisted  of  seven- 
teen hundred  men  —  Indians  included.  These  latter 
were  led  by  Thayendanegea.  The  order  of  their  march 
as  beautifully  drawn  and  colored,  was  subsequently 
taken,  with  the  escritoire  of  the  commanding  general. 
The  advance  of  the  main  body,  was  formed  of  Indians, 
marching  in  five  Indian  columns  ;  that  is,  in  single 
files,  at  large  distances  from  each  other,  and  four 
hundred  and  sixty  paces  in  front  of  the  line.  From 
these  columns  of  Indians,  files  were  stretched  at  a 
distance  of  ten  paces  from  each  other,  forming  a  line 
of  communication  with  the  advanced  guard  of  the  line, 
which  was  one  hundred  paces  in  front  of  the  column. 
The  *ight  and  left  flanks  were  covered  by  Indians  at  one 
hundred  paces,  forming  likewise  lines  of  communica- 
tion with  the  main  body.  The  king's  regiment  moved 
from  the  left  by  Indian  file,  while  the  34th  moved  in 


'  See    Mrs.   Grant's   delightful   book — Memoirs  of  an  American   Lady^ 
chapters  xliv  to  xlvii  inclusive,  Munsell's  edition,  1876. 

14 


M.„    li; 


1 54      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

tlie  same  order  from  the  right.  The  rear  guard  was 
formed  of  regular  troops,  while  the  advance  guard, 
composed  of  sixty  marksmen,  detached  from  Sir  John 
Johnson's  regiment  of  Royal  Greens,  was  led  by  Sir 
John's  brother-in-law.  Captain  Watts.  Each  corps 
was  likewise  directed  to  have  len  chosen  marksmen  in 
different  parts  of  its  line,  in  case  of  attack,  to  be  pushed 
forward  to  any  given  point  as  circumstances  might 
require.* 

From  these  extraordinary  precautions,  it  may  well  be 
inferred  that  Lt.  Col.  St.  Leger,  who  probably  acted 
much  under  the  advice  of  Sir  John  Johnson  and  the 
refugee  Provincials,  who  must  have  been  best  ac- 
quainted with  the  country  and  the  character  of  the  enemy 
they  were  going  to  encounter,  was  not  a  little  appre- 
hensive of  an  attack  by  surprise  while  on  his  march. 

In  addition  to  the  arrangements  already  indicated,  a 
detachment  from  the  8th  regiment,  with  a  few  Indians, 
was  sent  a  day  or  more  in  advance,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Bird.  This  officer  pushed  for- 
ward with  spirit,  but  was  somewhat  annoyed  by  the  in- 
subordination and  independent  action  of  his  allies.  The 
following  extracts  from  his  private  diary  ^  will  not  only 
disclose  his  own  embarrassments,  but  illustrate  the 
character  of  Indian  warriors  acting  in  concert  with  regu- 
lar troops : 


*   MS.  directions  found  among  the  captured  papers  of  St.  Leger. 
^  MS.  Diary  of  Lt.  Henry  Bird,  captured  from  Lt.  Col.  St.  Leger  by  Col. 
Gansevoort. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     155 

"  Tuesday.^  iSth  July^  ^777' — After  going  two  miles, 
and  no  savages  coming  up,  waited  two  hours  for  them. 
Sixteen  Senecas  arriving,  proceeded  to  the  Three  riv- 
ers' —  waited  there  two  hours  —  seventy  or  eighty  Mes- 
>esaugues  coming  up,  I  proposed  moving  forward. 
They  had  stolen  two  oxen  from  the  drove  of  the  army, 
and  would  not  advance,  but  stayed  to  feast.  I  advanced 
without  Indians  seven  miles  farther  —  in  all  nineteen 
miles.  Posted  four  sentinels  all  night  from  a  sergeant's 
guard  of  twelve  men  —  relieved  every  hour  —  visited 
every  half  hour.      All  fires  put  out  at  nine  o'clock. 

^^  Wednesday. —  Set  ofF  next  morning  at  six,  having 
wailed  for  thp  savages  till  that  time,  though  none  ar- 
rived. Ordered  the  boats  to  keep  seventy  rods  behind 
each  other — half  the  men  keeping  their  arms  in  their 
hands,  while  the  other  half  rowed.  Ordered,  on  any 
of  the  boats  being  fired  upon,  that  the  men  should  jump 
ashore.  The  rest  to  support  them  with  all  expedition. 
Rowed  all  night.      Encamped  at  Nine-mile  point. 

"  Thursday.,  July  30. — With  twenty-seven  Senecas 
and  nine  Messesaugues  joined  Mr.  Hair's  party. ^  Manv^ 
savages  being  with  us,  proceeded  to  Wood  creek,  a 
march  of  fifteen  miles.  ***** 

''''Friday — The  savages  hinted  an  intention  to  send 
parties  to  Fort  Stanwix,  but  to  proceed  in  a  body  no 
farther.  I  called  a  council  of  the  chiefs  —  told  them  I 
had    orders    to    approach    near    the   fort  —  that  if  they 


'  The  junction  of  the  Oneida,  Sereca  and  Oswego  rivers. 
"  Lieut.  Hair  —  afterward  killii:!. 


i    < 


156      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


■*■'-■ 


I  f 


would  accompany  me,  I  should  be  content  ;  but  if  they 
would  not  go,  I  should  take  the  white  people  under  my 
command,  and  proceed  myself.  The  Messesaugucs 
said  they  would  go  with  me.  The  Senccas  said  I  had 
promised  to  be  advised  by  their  chiefs  —  that  it  was  their 
way  to  proceed  with  caution.  I  answered,  that  I 
meant  only  as  to  fighting  in  the  bush,  but  that  I  had 
communicated  my  intentions  to  them  in  the  former 
camp,  of  preventing  them  (the  Americans  meaning) 
from  stopping  the  creek,'  and  investing  their  fort.  But 
since  I  had  promised  to  be  advised  by  them,  I  would 
take  it  so  far  as  to  wait  till  next  morning —  and  would 
then  certainly  march  by  daybreak.  After  some  coun- 
selling, they  seemed  pleased  with  what  I  had  said,  and 
said  they  would  send  out  large  scouts  to  prepare  the 
way.  Accordingly  eighteen  or  twenty  set  off  this  eve- 
ning." 

On  the  2d  of  August,  however.  Bird  wrote  back  to 
his  general  that  no  savages  would  advance  with  him 
except  Henriques,  a  Mohawk,  and  one  other  of  the  Six 
Nations,  an  old  acquaintance  of  his.  The  letter  con- 
tinues :  "  Those  two,  sir,  1  hope  to  have  the  honor  to 
present  to  you.  A  savage,  who  goes  by  the  name  of 
Commodore  Bradley,  was  the  chief  cause  of  their  not 
advancing  to-day.  Twelve  Messesaugues  came  up  ;;wo 
or  three  hours  after  my  departure.  Those,  with  the 
scout  of  fifteen  I  had  the  honor  to  mention  to  you  in 


'    General  Schuyler  had  directed   the  commanding  officer  of  Fort  Stan- 
wix  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Wood  creek  by  felling  trees  therein. 


^oyne. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     157 


•,  but  if  thcv 
>ple  under  my 
Messesaugucs 
as  said  I  had 
lat  it  was  their 
ered,  that  1 
ut  that  I  had 
n  the  former 
ins  meaning) 
leir  fort.  But 
hem,  I  would 
—  and  would 
r  some  coun- 
had  said,  and 
0  prepare  the 
:  off  this  eve- 

vrote  back  to 

ice  with  him 
r  of  the  Six 

le  letter  con- 

the  honor  to 

the  name  of 

of  their  not 

came  up  ';wo 

ose,  with  the 
on  to  you  in 

icer  of  Fort  Stan- 
trees  therein. 


my  last,  are  suilicient  to  invest   Fort  Stanwix,   if  you 
favor  me  so  far  as  not  to  order  to  the  contrary."  ' 

St.  Leger  received  this  letter  on  the  same  dav,  at 
Nine-mile  point,  whence  he  immediately  despatched 
the  following  reply  : 

General  St.  Leger  to  Lieut.   Bird. 

^^  Nine  Mile  Pointy  Jug.  2,  1777. 
"Sir:  ""I  this  instant  received  your  letter  containing  the 
account  of  your  operations  since  you  were  detached, 
which  I  with  great  pleasure  tell  you  have  been  sensible 
and  spirited  ;  your  resolution  of  investing  Fort  Stanwix 
is  perfectly  right  ;  and  to  enable  you  to  do  it  with 
greater  effect,  I  have  detached  Joseph  (Thayendanegea) 
and  his  corps  of  Indians  to  reinforce  you.  You  will 
observe  that  I  will  have  nothing  but  an  investiture 
made  ;  and  in  case  the  enemy,  observing  the  discretion 
and  judgment  with  which  it  is  made,  should  offer  to 
capitulate,  you  are  to  tell  them  that  you  are  sure  I  am 
well  disposed  to  listen  to  them  ;  this  is  not  to  take  any 
honor  out  of  a  young  soldier's  hands,  but  by  the  pre- 
sence of  the  troops  to  prevent  the  barbarity  and  carnage 
which  will  ever  obtain  where  Indians  make  so  superior 
a  part  of  a  detachment  ;  I  shall  move  from  hence  at 
eleven  o'clock,  and  be  early  in  the  afternoon  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  creek. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  and  humble  ser't, 
''  Lieut.  Bird^  Sth  reg't.''  =         "  Barry  St.  Leger. 


'  MS.  of  the  original  letter,  among  the  Gansevoort  papers. 
'  MS.  of  the  original  letter,  among  the  Gansevoort  papers  —Vide,  also, 
Campbell's  Annals. 


158      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


The  investment  of  the  fort  was  made  by  Lieut.  Bird 
forthwith  —  Brant  arriving  to  his  assistance  at  the  same 
time.  But  the  resuh  of  the  siege  that  followed  proved 
that  the  British  commander  had  grievously  miscal- 
culated the  spirit  of  the  garrison  of  Fort  Stanwix,  in  his 
anticipations  of  a  speedy  capitulation.  Still,  his  pruden- 
tial order,  the  object  of  which  was  to  prevent  an  un- 
necessary sacrifice  of  life  at  the  hands  of  his  Indian 
allies,  calculating,  of  course,  upon  an  easy  victory,  was 
not  the  less  commendable  on  that  account. 

The  situation  of  Fort  Stanwix  itself — or  rather  Fort 
Schuyler,  as  it  must  now  be  called  —  next  demands  at- 
tention. At  the  beginning  of  the  year,  as  we  have  al- 
ready seen,  the  post  was  commanded  by  Colonel 
Elmore  of  the  state  service.  The  term  of  that  officer 
expiring  in  April,  Colonel  Peter  Ganesvoort,  also  of 
the  state  troops,  was  designated  as  Colonel  Elmore's 
successor,  by  an  order  from  General  Gates,  dated  the 
26th  of  that  month.  Notwithstanding  the  labors  of 
Colonel  Drayton,  in  repairing  the  works,  the  preceding 
year.  Colonel  Gansevoort  found  them  in  such  a  state  of 
dilapidation,  that  they  were  not  only  indefensible,  but  un- 
tenable. A  brisk  correspondence  ensued  between  that 
officer  and  General  Schuyler  upon  the  subject,  fr.  m 
which  it  is  manifest  that,  to  say  nothing  of  the  miserable 
condition  of  his  defences,  with  the  prospect  of  an  inva- 
sion from  the  West  before  him,  his  situation  was  in 
other  respects  sufficiently  deplorable.  He  had  but  a 
small  number  of  men,  and  many  of  those  were  sick  by 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     i  59 

reason  of  destitution.*  Added  to  all  which  was  the  re- 
sponsibility of  the  Indian  relations  confided  to  him  by 
special  order  of  General  Schuyler  on  the  9th  of- June. ^ 
Colonel  Marinus  Willett  was  soon  afterward  directed 
to  join  the  garrison  at  Fort  Schuyler  with  his  regiment, 
and  most  fortunate  was  the  selection  of  such  an  officer 
as  Willett  to  cooperate  with  such  another  as  Ganse- 
voort  ;  since  all  the  skill,  and  energy,  and  courage  of 
both  were  necessary  for  the  situation.  The  work  itself 
was  originally  a  square  fort,  with  four  bastions,  sur- 
rounded by  a  ditch  of  considerable  width  and  depth, 
with  a  covert  way  and  glacis  around  three  of  its  angles  ; 
the  other  being  sufficiently  secured  bv  low,  marshy 
ground.  In  front  of  the  gate  there  had  been  a  draw- 
bridge, covered  by  a  salient  angle  raised  in  front  on  the 
glacis.  In  the  centre  of  the  ditch  a  row  of  perpendicu- 
lar pickets  had  been  erected,  with  rows  of  horizontal 
pickets  fixed  around  the  ramparts  under  the  embrasures. 
But  since  the  conclusion  of  the  French  war,  the  fort 
had  fallen  into  decay;  the  ditch  was  filled   up,  and  the 


'  Letters  among  the  Gansevoort  papers. 

2  "  You  will  keep  up  a  friendly  intercourse  with  the  Indians,  and  suffer 
no  speeches  to  be  made  to  them  by  any  person  not  employed  in  the  Indian 
department  j  and  when  you  have  occasion  to  speak  to  them,  let  your 
speech  be  written,  and  a  copy  transmitted  to  me,  that  the  commissioners 
may  be  informed  of  every  transaction  with  those  people." — Scbuy!er''s 
letter  to  Colonel  Gansevoort.  Colonel  G.  lost  no  time  in  holding  a  council 
with  such  of  the  chiefs  and  warriors  as  yet  remained  friendly,  and  he 
seems  to  have  fully  acquired  their  confidence.  Fie  delivered  a  sensible 
speech  on  the  occasion,  but  it  contains  nothing  requiring  farther  note. 


i6o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

pickets  had  rotted  and  fallen  down  ;^  nor  had  any  suita- 
ble progress  been  made  in  its  reparation.  Immediate 
exertions,  energetic  and  unremitting,  were  necessary  to 
repair,  or  rather  to  renew  and  reconstruct,  the  works, 
and  place  them  in  a  posture'of  defence,  should  the  ionir 
anticipated  invasion  ensue  from  that  quarter.  A  more 
correct  idea  of  the  wretched  condition  of  the  post,  even 
down  to  the  beginning  of  July,  may  be  found  from  the 
annexed  letter  'J^ 


Sir 


Col.  Gansevoort  to  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  Fort  Schuyler^  July  \th^  ^111' 


Having  taken  an  accurate  review  of  the  state  of  the 
garrison,  I  think  it  is  incumbent  on  me  to  inform  your 
Excellency  by  express  of  our  present  circumstances. 
Every  possible  assistance  is  given  to  Captain  Mar- 
quizee,  to  enable  him  to  carry  on  such  works  as  are 
deemed  absolutely  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  gar- 
rison. The  soldiers  are  constantly  at  work  —  even  such 
of  them  as  come  off  guard  are  immediately  turned  out 
to  fatigue.  But  I  cannot  conceal  from  your  Excellency 
the  impossibility  Kii  attending  fully  to  all  the  great  ob- 
jects pointed  out  in  the  orders  issued  to  the  command- 
ing officer  on  the  station,  without  farther  assistance. 
Sending  out  sufficient  parties  of  observation,  felling  the 
timber  into  Wood  creek,  clearing  the  road  from   Fort 


»    Wtllett\  Narrati've. 

^  MS.  copy  preserved  among  General  Gansevoort's  papers. 


.      H 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     i6i 

Dayton,  which  is  so  embarrassed,  in  many  parts,  as  to 
be  impassable,  and  prosecuting,  at  the  same  time,  the 
internal  business  of  the  garrison,  are  objects  of  the 
greatest  importance,  which  should,  if  possible,  be  im- 
mediately considered.  But  while  no  exertions  compati- 
ble with  the  circumstances  we  are  in,  and  necessary  to 
give  your  Excellency  satisfaction  with  respect  to  all 
these  interesting  matters,  shall  be  omitted,  I  am  very 
sensible  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  get  over  some  capital 
obstructions  without  a  reinforcement.  The  enclosed 
return,  and  the  difficulties  arising  from  the  increasing 
number  of  hostile  Indians,  will  show  to  your  Excellency 
the  grounds  of  my  opinion.  One  hundred  and  fifty 
men  would  be  needed  speedily  and  effectually  to  ob- 
struct Wood  creek  ;  an  equal  number  will  be  necessary 
to  guard  the  men  at  work  in  felling  and  hauling  of  tim- 
ber. Such  a  deduction  from  our  nymber,  together 
with  smaller  deductions  for  scouting  parties,  would 
scarcely  leave  a  man  in  the  garrison,  which  might,  there- 
fore, be  easily  surprised  by  a  contemptible  party  of  the 
enemy.  The  number  of  inimical  Indians  increases. 
On  the  affair  of  last  week  only  two  made  their  appear- 
ance. Yesterday  a  party  of  at  least  forty,  supposed  to 
be  Butler's  emissariet:,  attacked  Ensign  Sporr  with  six- 
teen privates,  who  were  out  on  fatigue,  cutting  turf 
about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  fort.  One  sol- 
dier was  brought  in  dead  and  inhumanly  mangled  ;  two 
were  brought  in  wounded  —  one  of  them  slightly  and 
the  other  mortally.  Six  privates  and  Mr.  8porr  are 
missing.     Two  parties  were  immediately  sent  to  pursue 


1 62      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


the   enemy,   but  they   returned    without  being  able 


come  up  vvi 


th  th 


cm. 


This  success  will,  no  doubt,  cii- 


courage  them  to  send  out  a  greater  number  ;  and  the 
intelligence  they  may  possibly  accpiire,  will  probably 
hasten  the  main  body  destined  to  act  against  us  in  these 
parts.  Our  provision  is  greatly  diminished  by  reason 
of"  the  spoiling  of  the  beef,  and  the  quantities  that  must 
be  given  from  time  to  time  to  the  Indians.  It  will  not 
hold  out  above  six  weeks.  Your  Excellency  will  per- 
ceive, in  looking  over  Captain  Savage's  return  of  the 
state  of  the   artillery,  that    some  essential   article; 


-0 


arc 


very  scarce.  As  a  great  number  of  the  gun-bullets  do 
not  suit  the  fire-locks,  some  bullet-moulds  of  difi^erent 
sizes  for  casting  others,  would  be  of  great  advantage  to 
us.  Our  stock  of  powder  is  absolutely  too  little  ;  a  ton, 
in  addition  to  what   we  have,   is   wanted  as  the  lowest 


propo 


rtion   for  rhe  shot  we  have  on  hand.     Wj  wil 


notwithstanding  every  difficulty,  exert  ourselves  to  the 
utmost  of  our  power  ;  and  if  your  Excellency  will  be 
pleased  to  order  a  speedy  reinforcement,  with  a  suffi- 
cient supply  of  provision  and  ammunition  to  enable  us 
to  hold  out  a  siege,  we  will,  I  hope,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  be  able  to  give  a  good  account  of  any  force  that 
will  probably  come  against  us." 

The  picture  is  gloomy  enough  ;  and  was  rendered  the 
more  so  from  the  mistakes  of  the  engineer,  a  Frenchman, 
who  had  been  employed  by  General  Schuyler,  and  whom 
it  was  ultimately  found  necessary  to  arrest  and  send  back 
to  head-quarters.  *     Colonel  Willett  had   from  the  first 


»  fFillett's  Nenati've. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col,  Barry  St.  Leger.     163 

doubted  the  capacity  of  Marquizec,  and  after  his  dis- 
missal the  work  proceeded  for  the  most  part  under  his 
own  immediate  direction. 

The  garrison  had  hkewise  other  difficulties  to  en- 
counter. With  the  gathering  of  St.  Leger's  motley 
forces  at  Oswego,  preparatory  to  his  descent  upon  the 
Mohawk,  the  Indians,  as  has  already  been  seen  by  Ganse- 
voort's  letter,  began  to  appear  in  scouting  parties  in  the 
circumjacent  forests.  The  utmost  caution  was  therefore 
necessary  on  leaving  the  fort,- even  for  a  short  distance. 
It  was  during  this  critical  period  that  the  familiar  incident 
of  Captain  Gregg  and  his  faithful  dog  occurred,  of  which 
the  following  brief  account  was" given  by  Colonel  Ganse- 
voort  : 

« 

Col.  Gansevoort  to  Gen.  Schuyler  (Extract). 

''''Fort  Schuyler ,^  "June  26,  1777. 
"  I  am  sorry  to  inform  your  Honor  that  Captain  Gregg 
and  Corporal  Madison,  of  my  regiment,  went  out  a  gun- 
ning yesterday  morning,  contrary  to  orders.  It  seems 
they  went  out  just  after  breakfast,  and  at  about  ten  o'clock 
Corporal  Madison  was  killed  and  scalped.  Captain 
Gregg  was  shot  through  his  back,  tomahawked  and 
scalped,  and  is  still  alive.  He  informs  me  that  the  mis- 
fortune happened  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning.  He 
looked  at  his  watch  after  he  was  scalped.  He  saw  but 
two  Indians.  He  was  about  one  mile  and  a  half  from 
the  fort,  and  was  not  discovered  until  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon.  I  immediately  sent  out  a  party  and  had  him 
brought  into  the  fort,  just  after  three  o'clock  ;  also  the 


1 64      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


corpse  of  Madison.  Gregg  Is  perfectly  in  his  senses,  and 
speaks  strong  and  hearty,  notwithstanding  that  his  re- 
covery is  doubtful."  =" 

There  was  little  of  romance  in  Colonel  Ganscvoort 
and  he  related  the  incident  with  military  brevity.  The 
story,  however,  has  often  been  told,  with  a  variety  of 
amphfications,  particularly  in  regard  to  the  wounded  sol- 
dier's faithful  dog,  to  whose  affectionate  sagacity  he  is 
said  to  have  been  indebted  for  his  discovery,  if  not  his 
life.  According  to  the  narrative  of  President  Dwight, 
it  appears  that  Gregg  and  his  companion  had  been  seduced 
into  a  fatal  disobedience  of  orders,  by  the  clouds  of 
pigeons  appearino;  in  the  adjoining  woods.  Immediately 
upon  their  fall,  the  Indians  rushed  upon  them  for  their 
scalps,  which  they  took  —  giving  each  a  simultaneous 
cut  upon  the  head  with  their  tomahawks.  The  corporal 
had  been  killed  by  the  shot,  but  Captain  Gregg  was  only 
wounded.^  Feigning  death,  however,  he  had  the  presence 
of  mind,  and  the  fortitude,  to  submit  to  the  subsequent 
torture  without  betraying  himself  by  a  groan  or  the 
quivering  of  a  muscle.  The  Indians  departing  imme- 
diately. Captain  Gregg  crawled  to  his  lifeless  compan- 
ion, and  pillowed   his  head   upon   his   body  ;  while  his 


^MS.  of  the  original  draught,  among  Col.  Gansevoort's  papers. 

^  It  has  been  asserted  in  iiistory,  that  St.  Leger  encouraged  these  isolated 
murders  by  large  bounties  for  scalps.  Twenty  dollars  is  said  to  have  been 
the  price  he  paid  ;  but  his  despatch  to  Lieut.  Bird,  before  cited,  does  not 
corroborate  the  charge  of  such  inhumanity.  That  despatch  was  a  private 
document,  moreover,  not  written  for  the  light,  or  for  effect,  and  must 
therefore  be  received  as  true.     It  was  found  among  Col.  Gansevoort's  papers. 


^mr 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     165 

faithful  dog  ran  to  a  place  at  no  great  distance  thence, 
where  two  men  were  engaged  in  fishing,  and  by  his  im- 
ploring looks  and  significant  actions,  induced  them  to 
follow  him  to  the  spot  where  lay  his  wounded  master. 
Hastening  to  the  fort,  the  fishermen  reported  what  they 
had  seen,  and  a  party  of  soldiers  being  forthwith  de- 
spatched to  the  place,  the  bodies  of  the  wounded  and  the 
dead  were  speedily  brought  into  the  garrison,  as  we  have 
seen  from  tht  colonel's  official  account.  Captain  Gregg 
was  severely  wounded,  independently  of  the  scalping  ; 
and  his  case  was  for  a  long  time  critical. 

The  friendly  Indians,  then  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively, 
Oneidas,  though  still  actinj;  and  speaking  in  the  name 
of  the  Six  Nations,  presented  an  address  of  condolence 
to  Colonel  Gansevoort  on  this  occasion,  to  which  the 
latter  made  a  suitable  reply,  which  alone  ha§  been  pre- 
served, and  reads  as  follows  : 

"  Brother  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  :  I 
thank  you  for  your  good  talk. 

"  Brothers  :  You  tell  us  you  are  sorry  for  the  cruel 
usage  of  Captain  Gregg,  and  the  murder  of  one  of  our 
warriors  \  that  you  would  have  immediately  pursued  the 
murderers,  had  not  General  Schuyler,  General  Gates, 
and  the  French  general,  desired  you  not  to  take  any  part 
in  this  war ;  and  that  you  have  obeyed  their  orders,  and 
are  resolved  to  do  so.  I  commend  your  good  inclina- 
tion and  intention. 

"  Brothers  :  You  say  you  have  sent  a  runner  to  the 
Six  Nations,  to  inform  them  of  what  has  happened,  and 
that  you  expect  some  of  your  chiefs  will  look  into  the 


1 66      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


I! 


|,  ■:.   '^ 


iF' 


affair,  and  try  to  find  out  the  murderers.  You  have  done 
well.  I  shall  be  glad  to  smoke  a  pipe  with  your  chiefs, 
and  hope  they  will  do  as  they  speak. 

"  Brothers  :  I  hope  the  mischief  has  been  done,  not 
by  any  of  our  good  friends  of  the  Oneida  nation,  but  by 
the  tories,  who  are  enemies  to  you  as  well  as  to  us,  and 
who  are  ready  to  murder  yourselves,  your  wives,  and 
children,  if  you  will  not  be  as  wicked  as  themselves. 

Brothers  :  When  your  chiefs  shall  convince  me  that 
Indians  of  the  Six  Nations  have  had  no  hand  in  this 
wicked  thing,  and  shall  use  means  to  find  out  the  mur- 
derers and  bring  them  to  justice,  you  may  be  assured 
that  we  will  strengthen  the  chain  of  friendship,  and  em 
brace  you  as  our  good  brothers.  I  will  not  suffer  any 
of  our  warriors  to  hurt  you." 

The  address  contained  two  or  three  additional  para- 
graphs in  reference  to  other  subjects.  Captain  Gregg 
recovered,  and  resumed  his  duties  ;  and  having  served  to 
the  end  of  the  war,  lived  many  years  afterward. 

Another  tragic  incident  occurred  at  nearly  the  same 
time.  About  noon,  on  the  3d  of  July,  the  day  being 
perfectly  clear.  Colonel  Willett  was  startled  from  his 
siesta  by  the  report  of  musketry.  Hastening  to  the  para- 
pet of  the  glacis,  he  saw  a  little  girl  running  with  a 
basket  in  her  hand,  while  the  blood  was  trickling  down 
her  bosom.  On  investigating  the  facts,  it  appeared  that 
the  girl,  with  two  others,'  was  picking  berries,  not  two 

*  One  of  the  girls  was  Caty  St-ese,  a  servant  of  Capt.  Johannis  Roff 
(Roof)  which  was  the  cause  of  his  attempt  to  do  violence  to  Cornplanter 
when,  in  1797,  he  confessed  to  having  killed  her  {^Brunty  vol.  11,  p.  411, 
Tiole).— 'Letter from  Col.  Gansevoort  to  Col.  Fan  Schaicky  "July  25^/6,  1777. 


les,  not  two 


Expedition  of  Lt.  CoL  Barry  St,  Leger.     167 

hundred  yards  from  the  fort,  when  they  were  fired  upon 
by  a  party  of  Indians,  and  two  of  the  number  kiiled. 
Happily,  she  who  only  was  left  to  tell  the  tale,  was  but 
slightly  wounded.  One  of  the  girls  killed,  was  the 
daughter  of  an  invalid,  who  had  served  many  years  in 
the  British  artillery.  He  was  entitled  to  a  situation  in 
Chelsea  hospital,  but  had  preferred  rather  to  remain  in 
the  cultivation  of  a  small  piece  of  ground  at  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  than  again  to  cross  the  ocean. ^ 

By  the  middle  of  July,  the  Indians  hovering  about  the 
fort  became  so  numerous,  and  so  bold,  as  to  occasion 
great  annoyance.  Large  parties  of  soldiers  could  only 
venture  abroad  on  the  most  pressing  emergencies  ;  and 
even  one  of  these  was  attacked,  several  of  its  numbers 
killed  and  wounded,  and  the  officer  in  command  taken 
prisoner.  The  force  of  the  garrison,  at  this  time,  con- 
sisted of  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  men  —  ill-supplied, 
as  we  have  already  seen,  both  with  provisions  and  muni- 
tions of  war.  f  ortunately,  however,  on  the  2d  of  August, 
the  very  day  of  the  investiture  of  the  fort  by  the  advance 
of  St.  Leger's  army,  under  Thayendanegea  and  Bird, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Mellon,  of  Colonel  Weston's  regi- 
ment, arrived  with  two  hundred  men,  and  two  bateaux 
of  provisions  and  military  stores.  Not  a  moment  was 
lost  in  conveying  these  opportune  supplies  into  the  fort. 
Delay  would,  indeed,  have  been  dangerous  ;  for  at  the 
nistant  the  last  loads  arrived  at  the  fort,  the  enemy  ap- 
peared on  the  skirt  of  the  forest,  so  near  to  the  boats. 


fVillett's  Narrati've. 


1 68      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


:■'■ 


M'' -I 


that  the    captain  who  commanded    them  became  their 
prisoner.' 

The  command  of  Colonel  Gansevoort  now  consisted 
of  seven  hundred  and  fifty  men,  all  told  ;  and  upon  ex 
amination  it  was  ascertained  that  they  had  provisions  for 
six  weeks  —  with  fixed  ammunition  enough  for  the  small 
arms.  But  for  the  cannon  they  were  lamentably  defi- 
cient—  having  barely  enough  for  nine  rounds  per  diem 
during  the  period  specified.  A  besieging  army  was  before 
the  fort,  and  its  garrison  was  without  a  flag  !  But  as 
necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention,  they  were  not  long 
thus  destitute.  Stripes  of  white  were  cut  from  ammuni- 
tion shirts  ;  blue  from  a  camblet  cloak  captured  from 
the  tnemy  ;  while  the  red  was  supplied  from  such  odds 
and  ends  of  clothes  of  that  hue  as  were  at  hand.^  And, 
thus  furnished,  commenced  the  celebrated  defence  of 
Fort  Schuyler. 

Such  was  the  condition  of  Fort  Schuyler  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  memorable  siege  of  1777  —  an  event, 
with  its  attending  circumstances,  forming  an  important 
feature  in  the  northern  border  warfare  of  the  Revolution. 
Colonel  St.  Leger^  himself  arrived  before  the  fort  on  the 


*  fViUett''i  Narrative. 
"Idem. 


:l!      > 


3  It  is  difficult,  from  the  books,  to  determine  what  was  at  that  time  the 
precise  rank  of  St.  Leger.  He  has  usually  been  called  a  brigadier  gem- 
ral.  By  some  contemporary  writers  he  was  called  Colonel  St.  Leger.  But 
in  General  Burgoyne's  despatches  to  Lord  George  Germaine,  of  August  20, 
^111  i  ^^  's  lepeatedly  deiiommated  Lieutenant  Colonel  St.  Leger.  He  is 
also  called  Colonel  St.  Leger  by  Bissett.  But  he,  nevertheless,  signed  his 
name  as  a  brigadier  general  in  a  letter  to  Col.  Gansevoort,  on  the  9th 
of  August. 


royne. 
became  their 

now  consisted 
and  upon  ex 
provisions  for 
1  for  the  small 
lentably  defi- 
mds  per  diem 
my  was  before 
flag  !  But  as 
were  not  long 
Torr)  ammuni- 
raptured  from 
om  such  odds 
hand.^  And, 
sd  defence  of 

;r  at  the  com- 
'  —  an  event, 
an  important 
e  Revolution, 
he  fort  on  the 


is  at  that  time  the 
a  brigadier  gene- 
l  St.  Leger.  But 
ine,  of  August  20, 
>t.  Leger.  He  is 
theless,  signed  his 
ifoort,  on  the  9th 


Exf  edition  of  Lt,  Col,  Barry  St.  Leger,    169 

9d  of  August,  with  his  whole  force  —  a  motley  col- 
lection of  British  regulars,  Hessian  auxiliaries.  New 
York  loyalists,  usually  denominated  Johnson's  ^reens, 
together  with  numbers  of  the  Canadians,  and  the  Indians 
under  Thayendanegea.      Sir  John  Johnson,  and  Colonels 


SIR  JOHN  JOHNSON. 

Claus  and  Butler,^  were  also  engaged  with  him  in  the 
expedition.  A  flag  was  sent  into  the  fort  on  the  morning 
of  that  day,  with  a  copy  of  a  rather  pompous  proclama- 
tion from  St.  Leger,  which,  it  was  probably  supposed, 
from  its  vaunting  threats  and  lavish  promises,  might  pro- 


'  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  John  Butler  was  lieutenant  colonel  of 
a  regiment  of  the  Tryon  county  militia,  of  which  Guy  Johnson  was  the 
colonel  and  Jel".;  Fonda  the  major.  Sir  John  had.  been  commissioned  a 
general  after  the  decease  of  his  father. 


1 1 


1 70      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

duce  a  strong  impression  upon  the  garrison.  "  The 
forces  intrusted  to  my  command  are  designed  to  act  in 
concert,  and  upon  a  common  principle,  with  the  nu- 
merous armies  and  fleets  w'  1  aheady  display,  in  every 
quartei  of  America,  the  ^..^wer,  tije  justice,  and,  when 
properly  sought,  the  mercy  of  the  king."  So  commenced 
the  proclamation.  After  tlenouncing  "  the  unnatural 
rebellion"  as  having  already  been  made  the  "  foundation 
for  the  completest  system  of  tyranny  that  ever  God  in 
his  displeasure  suffered  for  a  time  to  be  exercised  over  a 
froward  and  stubborn  generation,"  and  charging  that 
"  arbitrary  imprisonment,  confiscation  of  property,  per- 
secution and  torture,  unprecedented  in  the  inquisitions  of 
the  Roman  church,  were  among  the  palpable  enormities 
tha  verified  the  affirmation" — and  after  denouncing 
"  the  profanation  of  religion,"  and  other  "  shocking  pro- 
ceedings" of  the  civil  authorities  and  committees  in  re- 
bellion, the  proclamation  proceeded  —  "  animated  by 
these  considerations  ;  at  the  head  of  troops  in  the  full 
powers  of  health,  discipline,  and  valor  ;  determined  to 
strike  where  necessary,  and  anxious  to  spare  when  pos- 
sible, I,  by  these  presents,  invite  and  exhort  all  persons 
in  all  places  where  the  progress  of  this  army  may  point, 
and  by  the  blessing  of  God  I  will  extend  it  far,  to 
maintain  such  a  conduct  as  may  justify  me  in  protecting 
their  lands,  habitations,  and  families."  The  object  of 
his  address  was  to  hold  forth  security,  and  not  depreda- 
tion ;  he  offered  employment  to  those  who  would  join 
his  standard  ;  security  to  the  infirm  and  industrious ; 
and  payment  in  coin  for  all  the  supplies  the  people  would 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     1 7 1 

bring  to  his  camp.  In  conclusion,  he  said  —  "  If,  not- 
withstanding these  endeavors  and  sincere  incHnations  to 
effect  them,  the  frenzy  of  liostility  should  remain,  I 
trust  I  shall  stand  acquitted  in  tlic  eyes  of  God  and  men, 
in  denouncing  and  executing  the  vengeance  of  the  state 
against  the  wilful  outcasts.  The  messengers  of  justice 
and  of  wrath  await  them  in  the  field  ;  and  devastation, 
famine,  and  every  concomitant  h.orror  that  a  reluctant, 
but  indispensable  prosecution  of  military  duty  must  oc- 
casion, will  bar  the  way  to  their  return." 

This  manifesto,  however,  produced  no  effect,  then  or 
afterward.  The  siege  had  been  anticipated,  and  the 
brave  garrison,  officers  and  men,  had  counted  the  cost 
and  determined  to  defend  the  fortress  to  the  last.  Ac- 
cordingly, hostilities  commenced  actively  on  the  morning 
of  the  following  day.  The  Indians,  concealing  them- 
selves behind  clumps  of  shrubbery  and  stumps  of  trees, 
annoyed  the  men  who  were  employed  in  raising  the 
parapets  not  a  little  with  their  rifles.  Several  were 
wounded  ;  and  it  was  found  necessary  immediately  to 
station  sharp-shooters  at  suitable  points,  to  watch  op- 
portunities, amd  fire  in  return.  The  5th  was  spent  in 
much  the  same  manner,  with  the  addition  of  the  thro.w- 
ing  of  a  few  shells  by  the  enemy  —  several  of  which  fell 
within  the  fort,  and  some  in  the  barracks.  "  On  the 
evening  of  this  day,  soon  after  it  was  dark,  the  Indians, 
who  were  at  least  one  thousand  in  number,  spread  them- 
selves through  the  woods,  completely  encircling  the  fort, 
and  commenced  a  terrible  yelling,  which  was  continued 
at  intervals  the  greater  part  of  the  night." 


172       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Having  thus  commenced  his  operations,'  Colonel  St. 
Leger   found    means   of   conveying   the   intelligence   to 
General  Burgoyne — not  for  a  moment  anticipating^:;  the 
distressing  circumstances  in  which  the    northern  com 
mander-in-chief  already  found  himself  involved,  though 
but    mid-way  in  the  career   of   victory.      Harassed    in- 
cessantly  by    the   foes   he   had   vanquished  ;    unable   to 
obtain  supplies,  except  by  sending  back  for  them  to  Fort 
George,  in  which  service  his  troops  were  already  greatly 
fatigued  ;  not  one-third  of  his  horses  arrived  from  Canada  ; 
the  roads  excessively  bad,  and  rendered  all  but  impassable 
by  a  deluge  of  rain  ;  with  only  four  days  of  provisions 
on  hand  ;  the  vaunting  general,  who  had  boasted  in  the 
British  capital  that,  with  ten  thousand  men,  he  could 
march   through    the   whole  rebel    country    at    pleasure, 
alreadv  found   himself  in  an  unenviable  situation.      But 
on  learning  the  advance  of  Lt.  Col.  St.  Leger,  he  instantly 
and  justly  considered  that  a  rapid  movement  forward,  at 
this  critical  juncture,  would  be  of  the  utmost  importance. 
If  the    retreating    Americans    should    proceed    up    the 
Mohawk  with  a  view  of  relieving  Fort  Schuyler,  in  the 
event  of  St.  Leger*s  success  against  that  place  they  would 
place  themselves   between  two  fires  ;    or  perhaps  Bur- 
goyne supposed  that  were  such  a  movement  to  be  made 
on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  he  might  yet  throw  his 
army  between  them  and   Albany,  and  thus  compel  them 
either  to  stand  a  general  engagement  or  to  strike  oft'  to 
the  right,  and  by  recrossing  the  Hudson  higher  up,  secure 


*  Willeti'i  Narrative. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St,  Leger,    1 73 

a  retreat  into  New  England.      If,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
Americans  should  abandon  Fort  Schuyler  to  its  fate,  and 
themselves  fall  back  upon   Albany,  he  argued  that  the 
Mohawk  country  would  of  course  be  entirely  laid  open 
to  him  ;  his  junction  with  St.  Leger  established,  and  the 
combi.ed  army  be  at  liberty  to  select  its  future  line  of 
operation.      But  his  supplies  were  iniulcquate  to  such   an 
extensive  operation,  and  his  army  was  too  weak  to  allow 
him  to  keep  up  such  a  chain  of  posts  as  would  enable 
him   to   bring  them    up  daily    from    the   depot  at   Lake 
George.     With  a  view,  therefore,  of  obtaining  imme- 
diate relief,  and  of  opening  a  new  source  of  supply,  espe- 
cially of  cattle,   from   the   upper   settlements   of   New 
England,  the  expedition  to  Bennington,  the  place  of  de- 
posit of  provisions  for  the  provincial  forces,  was  planned, 
and   committed    to  a  detachment   of  the    Brunswicker 
troops,  under  Colonel  Baum,  for  execution.     The  signal 
failure  of  this  expedition  was  calculated  still  farther  both 
to  embarrass  and  depress  the  invaders  ;  while  the  brilliant 
success  of  the  militia  under  General  Stark  on  that  oc- 
casion, proving,  as  it  had  done,  that  neither  English  nor 
German   troops  were  invincible,  revived  the   drooping 
spirits  of  the  disheartened  ;   reinspired  the    people  with 
confidence  of  ultimate  success  ;  and  was  the  source  of 
universal  exultation. 

The  progress  of  events  brings  us  back  to  the  lower 
valley  of  the  Mohawk.  No  sooner  was  the  advance  of 
St.  Leger  upon  Fort  Schuyler  known  to  the  committee 
and  officers  of  Tryon  county,  than  General  Herkimer, 
in  conformity   with  the   proclamation   heretofore   cited, 


H 


1 74      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

summoned  the  militia  of  his  command  to  the  field,  for 
the  purpose  of  marching  to  ihe  succor  of  the  garrison. 
Notwithstanding  the  despondency  that  had  prevailed  in 
the  early  part  of  the  summer,  the  call  was  nobly  re- 
sponded to,  not  only  by  the  militia,  but  by  the  gentlemen 
of  the  county,  and  most  of  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee, who  entered  the  field  either  as  officers  or  private 
volunteers.  The  fears  so  generally  and  so  recently  in- 
dulged seemed  all  to  have  vanished  with  the  arrival  of 
the  invader,  and  the  general  soon  found  himself  at  the 
head  of  between  eight  hundred  and  a  thousand  men,  all 
eager  for  action  and  impatient  of  delay.  Their  place  of 
rendezvous  was  at  Fort  Dayton  (German  Flats],  in  the 
upper  section  of  the  Mohawk  valley  —  and  the  most 
beautiful.  The  regiments  were  those  of  Colonels  Klock, 
Visscher,  Cox,  and  one  or  two  others,  augmented  bv 
volunteers  and  volunteer  officers,  who  were  pushing  for- 
ward as  though  determined  at  all  hazards  to  redeem  the 
character  of  the  county.  Indeed,  their  proceedings  were 
by  far  too  impetuous,  since  they  hurried  forward  in  their 
march  without  order  or  precaution,  without  adequate 
flanking  parties,  and  without  reconnoitering  the  ground 
over  which  they  were  to  pass.  They  moved  from  Fort 
Dayton  on  the  4th,  and  on  the  5th  reached  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Oriskany,^  where  they  encamped.  From  this 
point,  an  express^  was  sent  forward  by  General  Herkimer 


*  Probably  the  site  of  Whitestown.  One  ot"  the  MS.  narratives  in  the 
author's  possession  says  they  crossed  the  river  at  old  Fort  Schuyler  (now 
Utica). 

*  Adam  Helmcr  accompanied  by  two  other  men. 


river. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,      175 

to  apprise  Colonel  Gansevoort  of  his  approach,  and  to 
concert  measures  of  cooperation.  The  arrival  of  the 
express  at  the  fort  was  to  be  announced  by  three  suc- 
cessive discharges  of  cannon,  the  report  of  which,  it 
was  supposed,  would  be  distinctly  heard  at  Oriskany  — 
only  eight  miles  distant.  Delays,  however,  intervened, 
so  that  the  messengers  did  not  reach  the  fort  until  ten  or 
eleven  o'clock  on  the  following  morning;  previous  to 
which  the  camp  of  the  enemy  being  uncommonly  silent, 
a  portion  of  their  troops  had  been  observed  by  the  garri- 
son to  be  moving  along  the  edge  of  the  woods  down  the 
river,  in  the  direction  of  the  Oriskany  creek. ^  The 
concerted  signals  were  immediately  fired  ;^  and  as  the  pro- 
position oi  Herkimer  was  to  force  a  passage  to  the  fort, 
arrangements  were  immediately  made  by  Colonel  Ganse  • 
voort  to  effect  a  diversion  of  the  enemy's  attention,  by 
making  a  sally  from  the  fort  upon  the  hostile  camp,  for 
which  purpose  two  hundred  men  were  detailed,  consist- 
ing one-half  of  Gansevoort's,  and  one-half  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts troops,  and  one  field-piece  —  an  iron  three 
pounder.  The  execution  of  the  enterprise  was  entrusted 
to  Colonel  Willett.3 

It  appears  that  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  which  was 


'  Letter  oF  Colonel  Willett  to  Governor  Trumbull  of  Cannecticut. 

^  MS.  of  Captain  Henry  Sceber,   in  the  author's   possession.      See,  also, 
(Villctt's  Narrati've. 

^  Willett's  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull.  The  officers  serving  in  this 
detachment  were  Captain  Van  Benschoten  and  Lieutenant  Stockwell,  who 
led  the  advance  guard  ;  Captain  Allen  (of  Massachusetts),  Bleecker,  Johnson, 
and  Swartwoutj  Lieutenant  Diefendorf,  Conyne,  Bogardus,  M'Clenner, 
and  Ball  j  Ensi^^n  Chase,  Bailey,  Lewis,  Dennison,  Mayee,  and  Arnent 
The  rear  guard  was  commanded  by  Major  Badlam. 


176      Campaign  ;^  General  John  Burgoyne, 


■M 


the  6th  of  August,  General  Herkimer  had  misgivings  as 
to  the   propriety  of  advancing  any   farther  without  first 
receiving  reinforcements.      His  officers,  however,  were 
eager  to  press    forward.      A  consultation  was   held,  in 
which  some  of  the  officers  manifested  much  impatience 
at  any  delay,  while  the  general  still  urged  them  to  remain 
where  they  were  until  reinforcements  could  come  up,  or 
at  least  until   the  signal  of  a  sortie   should   be  received 
from    the    fort.       High    words    ensued,    during   which 
Colonels    Cox  and   Paris,  and  many  others,  denounced 
their  commander  as  a  tory  and  coward.     The  brave  old 
man   calmly   replied  tnat  he  considered   himself  placed 
over  them   as  a  father,  and  that  it  was   not   his  wish  to 
lead  them  into  any  difficulty  from  which  he  could  not 
extricate  them.      Burning,  as  they  now  seemed,  to  meet 
the  enemy,  he  told  them   roundly   that  they  would  run 
at  his   first  appearance.'     But   his    remonstrances  were 
unavailing.     Their  clamor  increased,  and  their  reproaches 
were  repeated,  until,  stung  by  imputations  of  cowardice 
and   a  want   of  fidelity   to   the    cause,^  and    somewhat 
irritated  withal,  the  general  immediately  gave  the  order  — 
"  March  on  !  "  3     Xhe  words  were  no  sooner  heard  than 
the  troops  gave  a   shout,  and   moved,  or   rather  rushed 
forward.     They  marched  in  files  of  two  deep,  preceded 
by  an  advanced  guard  and  keeping  flanks  upon  each  side/ 


'  Travels  of  President  Dwight,'Vol.  iii,  p.  192. 

^  MS.  statement  of  George  Walter,  in  possession  of  the  author;  also  of 
Henry  Seeber. 

3  Statement  of  Adam  Miller,  in  possession  of  the  author. 

4  It  has  been  charged   by  most  writers   that  even  these  ordinary  precau- 
tions were  not  observed.     Miller  and  Walter,  however,  both  assert  the  fact. 


'goyne, 

misgivings  as 
•  without  first 
lowever,  were 

was  held,  in 
ch  impatience 
hem  to  remain 
d  come  up,  or 
i  be  received 
during  whicli 
rs,  denounced 
rhe  brave  old 
limself  placed 
3t  his  wish  to 

he  could  not 
;med,  to  meet 
ley  would  run 
strances  were 
eir  reproaches 

of  cowardice 
nd  somewhat 
/e  the  order— 
ner  heard  than 
rather  rushed 
eep,  preceded 
Don  each  side.^ 


I 


i 


Mi 


he  author  5  also  of 


lor. 


E  ordinary  precau- 
oth  assert  the  fact. 


m 


m^'-^ 


m'^\ 


^/uyy/u^  /i^  g-^  <J 

C 


Ml 


v, 
;in 


edition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Le^^er.     ^77 


by  ten   o'clock,  proceeded  rapidly  forwaru  to 

of  only  two  or  three  miles/  the  guards,  both 

;    lianks,  were   snddenlv    siiot  down,  the   forest 

•  the  war  whoops  ot"  a  savage  toe,  arul  in  an  in- 

■cater.  part  of  the  division  found  itself  in   the 

nrmidahle   ambuscade.      Colonel   St.  i^eoer, 

!,  liaving   heanl    of   the    advance    of  Cienera! 

,  'n  order  to  pre\'cnt  an  attack  in  his  entrench- 

\   detached   a   division  of  Sir  John    fohnson's 

!!    (ireens,   under   Sir  John's    brother-in-law, 

^  .ttts,    Colonel    Butler   with    his    rangcis,    and 

•nt  witli  a  strong  body  of  [ndians,  to  intercept 

With   tiue    Indian   sagacitv,   Tha\enda- 

had  -"lecteda  position  admiiablv  fitted  for  his  pur- 

vvh:^  'i  was,  to  ciraw  the  Americans,  whom  he  well 

'o  b''  approachino;  in  no  very  Liood   military  array, 

ambuscade.      The   locality   favored   his  design.-^ 


ill 

nh 

>pro.,<  n 


tic   ^riiund  is  about  two  miles   west  of  Ori^k.iny,  ami  :>ix  frnni 
:;h. 

■  ccouDt  oftliiis  battle  which  has  fallen  umlcr  the  author's  ob- 

'ng  ihat  of  Colonel  WilU-rt.  Sir  julin   fuhnson  is  made  the 

i.miiT   at  this  battle.      He  was  not  in  it  at  all,  as   will  appear 

'./vwanl.      Even  the  cautiovis  an. 1  inquisitive    President  Dvvight 

."■Si  jMijr,  and  carries  it  through  i)is  whole  account. 

F'bf  t-  lUi'iy  presented  ample  opportunities  fur^uch  a  stratagem  ;   and 

Mitag»-3  weie    not  neglected.      The   ambusli  wat"   set  anout  tuo  miles 

'!t   S't  .nwix,  where   a  primitive  coidurov  road  was   the  s<>U-  method 

ing  a  .-uampy  hollow  ..-  ravine,  drained  by  a  litrle  .iHlu.-nt  of  rlia' 

Tliib  roavi  was  completely  commanded  by  hei^hr^  on  either  hand, 

with  der.jc  woods,  in  which  Sir  John  Johnson  stationed  his  m.irlis- 

•fh  whites  and   savages.      It  was  as   handsomr  a  trap  as  th.»i  wilmh 

.;hi  or   Armiriius  set    fn   the  Legions    of   Veru^  in   \\w  'l> utoberger 

16 


,/0 


Q'-eA^ 


I 

Havi 
[the  dist 
Ifront   a 
Iranir  wi 
Istant  th 
niidst  o 
it  appe 
Heikim 
inents, 
rcQ;imer 
Major 
Joseph 
his  appr 
neszea  h 
[pose,  w 
knew  tc 
[into  an 

'  The  b. 
IWhitesbon 

"  In  eve 

Iservation,  e 
Biitish  con 
a  few  pages 
falls  into  ei 

3  "The 

its  aiivantai 
from  Fort 
of  navcrsin 
stream.  1 
covered  wit 
men,  both 
Hermann  c 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     177 

Having,  by  ten  o'clock,  proceeded  rapidly  forward  to 
Ithe  distance  ot  on^y  two  or  three  miles, ^  tlic  guards,  both 
Ifront   and    flanks,  were   suddenly    shot  down,  the   forest 
IrauLr;  with  the  war  whoops  of  a  savage  foe,  ai-d  in  an  in- 
Istant  the  greater  part  of  the  division  found  itself  in   the 
niidst  of  a  formidable  ambuscade.      Colonel   St.  Leger, 
it   appeared,  having   heard    of  the    advance    of  General 
Herkimer,  in  order  to  prevent  an  attack  in  his  entrench- 
inents,  had   detached  a  division  of  Sir  John  Johnson's 
regiment   of  (ireens,   under   Sir  John's    brother-in-law, 
iMajor   Watts,    Colonel    Butler   with    his   rangers,    and 
Joseph  Brant  with  a  strong  body  of  Indians,  to  intercept 
his  approach.^     With   true   Indian   sagacity,  Thayenda- 
nciiea  had  selected  a  position  admirably  fitted  for  his  pur- 
pose, which  was,  to  draw  the  Americans,  whom  he  well 
knew  to  be  approaching  in  no  very  good   military  array, 
linto  an  ambuscade.      The  locality   favored  his  design. ^ 


I  The  battle  ground  is  about  two   miles  west  of  Oriskany,  and  six  from 

|Whitesborough. 

-  In  every  account  of  this  battle  which  has  fallen  under  the  author's  ob- 

Iservation,  excepting  that  of  Colonel  Willett,  Sir  John  Johnson  is  made  the 

British  commander  at  this  battle.      He  was  not  in  it  at  all,  as   will  appear 

a  few  pages  forward.     Even  the  cautious  and  inquisitive   President  Dvvight 

falls  into  error,  and  carries  it  through  his  wliole  account. 

^  "The  country  presented  ample  opportunities  for  such  a  stratagem  ;  and 
[its  advantages  were  not  neglected.  Tlie  ambush  was  set  about  two  miles 
I  horn  Fort  Stanwix,  where  a  primitive  corduroy  road  was  the  sole  method 
j  of  tiavL-rsiiig  a  swampy  hollow  or  ravine,  drained  by  a  little  affluent  of  that 
stream.  This  road  was  completely  commanded  by  heights  on  either  hand, 
Icovered  with  dense  woods,  in  which  Sir  John  Johnson  stationed  his  marks- 
Imeii,  l>oth  whites  and  savages.  It  was  as  handsome  a  trap  as  that  which 
Hermann  or   Arminius  set    for  the  Legions    of  Verus  in  the  Teutoberger 

16 


tit 


m 


'M 


■f: 


ijH      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

There  was  a  deep  ravine  crossing  the  path  which  Herki- 
iner  with  his  undisciplined  array  was  traversing,  "  sweep- 
ing toward  the  east  in  a  semi-circular  t'orni,  and  beariiiu 
a  northern  and  southern  direction.  The  bottom  of  this 
ra  'ine  was  marshy,  and  the  road  crossed  it  by  means  ot 
a  ca'iseway.  The  ground,  thus  partly  enclosed  bv  the 
ravine,  was  elevated  and  level.  The  ambuscade  was 
laid  upon  the  high  ground  west  of  the  ravine."  ^ 

The  enemy  had  disposed  himself  adroitly,  in  a  circle, 
leaving  only  a  narrow  segment  open  for  the  adnVissioii 
of  the  ill  starred  Provincials  on  their  approach.  The 
stratagem  was  successful.  Unconscious  of  the  prcscce 
of  the  foe,  Herkimer,  with  his  whole  army  excepting  the 
rearguard,  composed  of  Colonel  Visscher's  regiment, 
found  himself  encompassed  at  the  first  fire  —  the  enemv 
closing  up  the  gap  at  the  instant  of  making  himself  known. 
By  thus  early  completing  the  circle,  the  baggage  and 
ammunition  wagons,  which  had  just  descended  into  the 
ravine,  were  cut  ofF  and  separated  from  the  main  body, 
as  also  was  the  regiment  of  Colonel  VIsscher,  yet  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  ravine  ;  which,  as  their  general  had 
predicted,  instantly  and  ingloriously  fled,  leaving  their 
companions  to  their  fate.  They  were  pursued,  however, 
by  a  portion  of  the  Indians,  and  suffered  more  severely, 


forest,  eigliteen  centuries  previous  —  an  ambush  which  determined  the  fate 
of  Roman  progress  into  the  free  German  kind,  just  as  the  issue  of  Oriskany, 
reversing  the  case,  checked  the  progress  of  the  British  into  the  free  German 
flatlands  of  the  Mohawk." — Gen.  J.  Watts  De  Peyster^  in  His.  Mug  ,  Neii; 
ASVm'i,  vol.  V,  No.  I. 

*  Campbell^s  Annals. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  CoL  Barry  St.  Legcr.     179 

probably,  than  they  would  have  clone,  had  they  stood  by 
their  fellows  in  the  hour  o[  need,  either  to  conquer  or 
to  fall.' 

Being  thrown  into  irretrievable  disorder  by  the  sudden- 
ness of  the  surprise  and  the  destructiveness  of  the  fire, 
which  was  close  and  brisk  from  every  side,  the  divi- 
sion was  for  a  time  threatened  with  annihilation.  At 
every  opportunity  the  savages,  concealed  behind  the 
trunks  of  trees,  darted  forward  with  knife  and  tomahawk 
to  ensure  the  destruction  of  those  who  fell  ;  and  many 
and  fierce  were  the  conflicts  that  ensued  hand  to  hand. 
The  veteran  Herkimer  fell,  wounded,  in  the  early  part 
of  the  action  —  a  musket  ball  having  passed  through  and 
killed  his  horse,  and  shattered  his  own  leg  just  below  the 
knee.^     The  general  was  placed  upon  his  saddle,  how- 

'  Believing,  as  stated  in  a  preceuing  note,  that  my  father's  account  of  this 
battle  is  the  most  reliable  of  any  extant,  I  have  preferred  to  keep  the  text 
as  much  as  possible  intact.  I  cannot,  however,  refrain  from  saying,  in  this 
connection,  that  I  think  the  imputation  of  cowardice  in  regard  to  Col. 
Visscher's  regiment  is  hardly  justified  in  view  of  all  the  circumstances. 
Perhaps  no  body  of  m^ii  were  as  ready  and  anxious  to  perform  their  duty 
as  were  the  patriotic  members  of  Col.  Visscher's  regiment.  It  must  be  re- 
membered that  it  was  composed  '>f  farmers  who  had  never  seen  service  j 
and  it  is  scarcely  to  be  wondered  at  that  when  rhey  saw  themselves  cut  off. 
Hanked,  fired  upon  by  an  unseen  foe  accompanied  bv  most  hideous  yells, 
they  were  panic-stricken,  and  did  not  wheel  into  line  in  the  dense  woods 
and  fire  upon  enemies  immediately  in  range  of  frien  Is.  Neither  could  the 
voice  of  their  brave  commander  have  been  heard  under  the  circumstances 
any  more  than  as  if  they  had  been  in  ihe  cave  of  the  winds.  It  is  strange, 
too,  that  Col,  Visscher's  regiment  should  have  suffered  as  they  did,  had  it 
given  danger  such  a  wide  berth  j  for  the  fact  is  undisputed  that  a  very  large 
proportion  of  the  regimeuL  was  either  killed  or  wounded. 

-  Walton's  MS.  account. 


1 8o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


t 


ever,  against  the  trunk  of  a  tree  for  his  support,  and  thuj 
continued  to  order  the  battle.  Colonel  Cox,  and  Cap- 
tains  Davis  and  Van  Sluyck,  were  severally  killed  near 
the  commencement  of  the  epgagement ;  and  the  slaughter 
of  their  broken  ranks,  from  the  rifles  of  the  tories  and 
the  spears  and  tomahawks  of  the  Indians,  was  dreadful. 
But  even  in  this  deplorable  situation  the  wounded  general, 
his  men  dropping  like  leaves  around  him,  and  the  forest 
resounding  with  the  horrid  yells  of  the  savages,  ringina 
high  and  wild  over  the  din  of  battle,  behaved  with  the 
most  perfect  firmness  and  composure.  The  action  had 
lasted  about  forty -five  minutes  in  great  disorder,  before 
the  Provincials  formed  themselves  into  circles  in  order  to 
repel  the  attacks  of  the  enemy,  who  were  concentrating,! 
and  closing  in  upon  them  from  all  sides. ^  From  this 
moment  the  resistance  of  the  Provincials  was  more  efFcct- 
ive,  and  the  enemy  attempted  to  charge  with  the  bayonet, 
The  firing  ceased  for  a  time,  excepting  the  scattering 
discharges  of  musketry  from  the  Indians  ;  and  as  the 
bayonets  crossed,  the  contest  became  a  death  struggle, 
hand  to  hand  and  foot  to  foot.  Never,  however,  did 
brave  men  stand  a  charge  with  more  dauntless  courage, 
and  the  enemy  for  the  moment  seemed  to  recoil  — just 
at  the  instant  when  the  work  of  death  was  arrested  by  a 
heavy  shower  of  rain,  which  suddenly  broke  upon  the 
combatants  with  great  fury.  The  storm  raged  for  up- 
ward of  an  hour,  during  which  time  the  enemy  sought  such 


'  The  first  movement  of  this  kind   was  made  by  Jacob  Sceber,  without 
orders,  according  to  the  narrative  of  Henry  Seeber. 


^oytje. 


Exveditiun  of  I  J.  Col.  Barry  Si.  Leger.     i8i 


iport,  and  thus 
!ox,  and  Cap- 
lly  killed  near 
J  the  slaughtfi 
the   tories  ainl 
was  dreadful. 
unded  general, 
and  the  forest 
avages,  ringing 
laved   with  the 
rhe  action  had 
lisorder,  betore 
cles  in  order  to 
:  concentrating, 
:s.^     From  this 
vas  more  effect- 
[th  the  bayonet, 
the  scattering 
[IS  ;  and  as  the 
death  struggle, 
,  however,  did 
ntless  courage, 
to  recoil  — just 
|as  arrested  by  a 
roke    upon  the 
|n  raged   tor  up- 
my  sought  such 

licob   Sceber,  without 


shelter  as  might  be  found  among  the  trees  at  a  respectful 
distance  ;  for  they  had  already  suffered  severely,  not- 
withstanding the  advantages  in  their  favor.' 

During  this  suspension  of  the  battle,  both  parties  had 
time  to  look  about,  and  make  such  new  dispositions  as 
they  pleased  for  attack  and  defence,  on  renewing  the 
murderous  conflict.  The  Provincials,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  their  general,  were  so  fortunate  as  to  take  pos- 
session of  an  advantageous  piece  of  ground,  upon  which 
his  men  formed  themselves  into  a  circle,  and  as  the 
shower  broke  away,  awaited  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 
In  the  early  part  of  the  battle,  the  Indians,  whenever 
they  saw  a  gun  fired  by  a  militia-man  from  behind  a 
tree,  rushed  upon  and  tomahawked  him  before  he  could 
reload.  In  order  to  counteract  this  mode  of  warfare, 
two  men  were  stationed  behind  a  single  tree,  one  only 
to  fire  at  a  time  —  the  other  reserving  his  fire  until  the 
Indians  ran  up  as  before.^  The  fight  was  presently  re- 
newed, and  by  the  w^w  arrangement,  and  the  cool  exe- 
cution done  by  the  fire  of  the  militia  forming  the  main 
circle,  the  Indians  were  made  to  suffer  severely  ;  so  much 


'  '*  At  this  crisis  of  the  day,  when  a  dropping  or  drizzling  rain  of  death 
w  IS  covering  the  narrow  field  with  dead  and  wounded,  the  crash  and  horror 

iof  the  battle  were  suspended  by  the  fierce  tumult  of  a  thunder-storm  of 
tropical  violence  —  as  fierce  as  that  which  broke  upon  the  battle-field  of 
ChuAtilly,  on  the  first  of  September,  1862,  converting  the  afternoon  into 
night,  amidst  whose  charm  another  republican  hero,  Kearny,  passed  like 
Herkimer  from  earthly  fime  to  eternal  glory,  offering  up   his  great  life  for 

jthc  rights  of  man  and  for  freedom." —  Gen.  y.  fVatts  De  Feyster. 

^  CampbelPs  Annals. 


1 82      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

so  that  they  began  to  give  wav,  when  Major  Watts ' 
came  up  with  a  reinforcement,  consisting  of  another  de- 
tachment of  Johnson's  Greens.^  These  men  were  mostlv 
loyalists  who  had  fled  from  IVyon  county,  now  returned 
in  arms  against  their  former  neighbors.  As  wo  quarrels 
are  so  bitter  as  those  of  families,  so  no  wars  are  so  cnul 
and  passionate  as  those  called  civil.  Many  of  the  Pro- 
vincials and  Greens  were  known  to  each  other  -,  and  as 
they  advanced  so  'lear  as  to  afford  opportunities  of  mutual 
recognition,  the  contest  became,  if  possible,  more  ol  a 
death  struggle  than  before.  Mutual  resentments,  ami 
feelings  of  hate  and  revenge,  raged  in  their  bosoms. 
The  Provincials  fired  upon  them  as  they  advanced,  and 
then,  springing  like  chafed  tigers  from  their  covers,  at- 
tacked them  with  their  bayonets  and  the  butts  of  their 
muskets,  or  both  parties  in  closer  contact  throttled  each 
other  and  drew  their  knives  ;  stabbing,  and  sometimes 
literally  dying  in  one  another's  embrace. 

At  length  a  firing  was  heard  in  the  distance  from  the 
fort,  a  sound  as  welcome  .  the  Provincials  as  it  was 
astounding  to  the  enemy.  Availing  themselves  of  the 
hint,  however,  a  ruse  de- guerre  was  attempted  by  Colonel 
Butler,  which  had  well-nigh  proved  fatal.  It  was  the 
sending,  suddenly,  from  the  direction  of  the  fort,  a  de- 
tachment of  the  Greens  disguised  as  American  troops, 


'  Brother  of  the  late  venerable  John  Watts,  of  New  York. 

=  Campbell.  The  enemy,  as  on  the  march  from  Oswego,  liad  posted  a 
line  of  sentinels  at  short  distances  from  each  other,  extending  from  St. 
Leger's  intrenchments  to  the  scene  of  action  ;  so  that  communicatioiii 
could  be  interchanged  rapidly  and  at  pleasure. 


m 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Cot.  Barry  St.  Le^er.      i  83 

in  the  expectation  that  they  might  be  received  as  a  timelv 
reinforcement  from  the  garrison.  Lieutenant  Jacob 
Sammons  was  the  first  to  descrv  their  approach,  in  the 
direction  of  a  body  of  men  commanded  bv  Captain  Jacob 
(jiirdenier  —  an  officer  who,  during  that  memorable  day, 
pel  formed  prodigies  of  valor.  Perceiving  that  their  hats 
were  American,  Sammons  informed  Captain  Gardenier 
that  succors  from  the  fort  were  coming  up.  Theijuick 
eve  of  the  captain  detected  the  r«;f,  and  he  replied  — 
^^  Not  so  :  they  are  enemies  ;  don't  you  see  their  green 
coats  !  "  ^  'I'hev  continued  to  advance  until  hailed  bv 
Gardenier,  at  which  moment  one  of  his  own  soldiers, 
observing  an  acquaintance,  and  supposing  him  a  friend, 
ran  to  meet  him,  and  presented  his  hand.  It  was  grasped, 
but  with  no  friendlv  giipe,  as  the  credulous  fellow  was 
dragged  into  the  opposing  line  informed  that  he  was  a 
prisoner.  He  did  not  yield  without  a  struggle  ;  during 
which  Gardenier,  watching  the  action  and  the  result, 
sprang  forward,  and  with  a  blow  from  his  spear  levelled 
the  captor  to  the  dust  and  liberated  his  man.^  Others 
of  the  foe  instantly  set  upon  him,  of  whom  he  slew  the 
second  and  wounded  a  third.  Three  of  the  disguised 
Greens  now  sprang  upon  him,  and  one  of  his  spurs  be- 
coming entangled  in  their  clothes,  he  was  thrown  to  the 
ground.     Still  contending,  however,  with  almost  super- 


'  Manuscript   narrative  of   William   Gardenier,  in  the    possession  of  the 
author. 

^  Idem, 


hTmi 


184       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

human  strenj;th,  both  of  his  thighs  were  transfixed  to  the 
earth  by  the  bayonets  of  two  of  his  assailants,  while  the 
third  presented  a  bayonet  to  his  breast,  as  if  to  thrust 
him  through.  Seizing  this  bayonet  with  his  left  hind, 
by  a  sudden  wrench  he  brought  its  owner  down  upon 
himself,  where  he  held  him  as  a  shield  against  the  arms 
of  the  others,  until  one  of  his  own  men,  Adam  Miller, 
observing  the  struggle,  flew  to  his  rescue.  As  the  as- 
sailants turned  upon  their  new  adversary,  Gardenier  rose 
upon  his  seat  •,  and  although  his  hand  was  severely  lace- 
rated by  grasping  the  bayonet  which  had  been  drawn 
through  it,  he  seized  his  spear  lying  by  his  side,  and 
quick  as  lightning  planted  it  to  the  barb  in  the  side  of 
the  assailant  with  whom  he  had  been  clenched.  The 
man  fell  and  expired  —  proving  to  be  Lieutenant  Mc- 
Donald, one  of  the  loyalist  officers  from  Tryon  county. 
All  this  transpired  in  far  less  time  than  is  necessarily  oc- 
cupied by  the  relation.  While  engaged  in  the  struggle, 
some  of  his  own  men  called  out  to  Gardenier  —  "for 
Cjod's  sake,  captain,  you  are  killing  your  own  men  !  " 
He  replied  —  "  they  are  not  our  men  —  they  are  the 
enemy  —  fire  away  !  "  A  deadly  fire  from  the  Pro- 
vincials ensued,  during  which  about  thirty  of  the  Greens 
fell  slain,  and  many  Indiai  warriors.  The  parties  once 
more  rushed  upon  each  other  with  bayonet  and  spear, 
grappling  and  fighting  with  terrible  fury  ;  while  the 
shattering  of  shafts  and  the  clashing  of  steel  mingled 
with  every  dread  sound  of  war  and  death,  and  the  savage 
yells,  more   hideous   than   all,  presented   a  scene  which 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St,  Leger,     185 

can  be  more  easily  imagined  than  described/  The  un- 
paralleled fortitude  and  bravery  of  Captain  Gardenier  in- 
fused fresh  spirits  into  his  men,  some  of  whom  enacted 
wonders  of  valor  likewise.  It  happened  during  the 
melee^  in  which  the  contending  parties  were  mingled  in 
great  confusion  that  three  of  Johnson's  Greens  rushed 
within  the  circle  of  the  Provincials,  and  attempted  to 
make  prisoner  of  a  Captain  Dillenback.  This  officer 
had  declared  he  would  never  be  taken  alive,  and  he  was 
not.  One  of  his  three  assailants  seized  his  gun,  but  he 
suddenly  wrenched  it  from  him,  and  felled  him  with  the 
butt.  He  shot  the  second  dead,  and  thrust  the  third 
through  with  his  bayonet.^  But  in  the  moment  of  his 
triumph  at  an  exploit  of  which  even  the  mighty  Hector, 
or  either  of  the  sons  of  Zeruiah  might  have  been  proud, 
a  ball  laid  this  brave  man  low  in  the  dust. 

Such  a  conflict  as  this  could  not  be  continued  long  \ 
and  the  Indians,  perceiving  with  what  ardor  the  Provin- 
cials maintained  the  tight,  and  finding  their  own  numbers 
sadly  diminished,  now  raised  the  retreating  cry  of 
•"'  Oonah  !  "  and  fled  in  every  direction,  under  the  shouts 


'  MS.  of  William  Gardenier.  It  was  in  reference  to  these  individual 
deeds  of  prowess,  that  the  eloquent  Gouverneur  Morris  thus  spoke  in  his 
address  before  the  New  York  Historical  Society:  —  "Let  me  recall, 
gentlemen,  to  your  recollection,  that  bloody  field  in  which  Herkimer  fell. 
There  was  found  the  Indian  and  the  white  man  born  on  the  banks  of  the 
Mi)havvk,  their  left  hand  clenched  in  each  other's  h.iir,  the  right  grasping 
in  a  grasp  of  death,  the  knife  plunged  in  each  other's  bosom  j  thus  they 
lay  frowning." 

-'  George  Walter  relates  this  incident,  in  his  narrative,  in  the  possession 
of  the  author.  Walter  was  himself  a  witness  of  the  fact,  vvhde  lying 
wounded  with  two  balls,  by  the  side  of  General  Herkimer.  . 


1 86      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

and  hurrahs  of  the  surviving  Provincials  and  a  shower 
of  bullets.  Finding,  moreover,  from  the  firing  at  the 
fort,  that,  their  presence  was  necessary  elsewhere,  the 
Greens  and  Rangers  now  retreated  precipitately,  leaving 
the  victorious  militia  of  Tryon  county  masters  of  the 
field.^ 

Thus  ended  one  of  the  severest,  and,  for  the  numbers 
engaged,  one  of  the  most  bloody  battles  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  Though  victorious,  the  loss  of  the  Pro- 
vincials was  very  heavy  j  and  Tryon  county  long  had 
reason  to  mourn  that  day.  Colonel  Paris  was  taken 
prisoner  by  the  enemy,  and  afterward  murdered  by  the 
Indians.  Several  other  prisoners  were  also  killed  by  the 
savages,  after  they  had  been  brought  into  Colonel  But- 
ler's quarters  ;  and,  as  it  was  said,  by  the  colonel's  own 
tacit  consent,  if  not  permission  in  terms.  But  the  gene- 
ral   character   of  that  officer    forbids    the    imputation.'' 


*  It  is  an  extraordinary  tact,  that  every  historian  who  has  written  of  the 
battle  of  Oriskany,  has  recorded  it  as  a  defeat  of  the  Provincials,  from 
Marshall  and  Ramsay  down,  to  say  nothing  of  the  British  chroniclers. 
Such  was  also  the  author's  impression  until  he  undertook,  the  present  in- 
vestigation. Captain  Brant  himself,  in  conversation  with  Samuel  Wood- 
ruff, Esq.,  admitted  that  they  were  the  victors  j  and  all  the  written 
statements  which  the  author  has  been  able  to  procure  from  the  survivors  of 
the  battle,  bear  the  same  testimony. 

'The  late  Doctor  Moses  Younglove  of  Hudson,  Columbia  county,  was 
the  surgeon  of  General  Herkimer's  brigade.  He  was  taken  prisoner  in  this 
battle  by  a  sergeant  of  Sir  John  Johnson's  regiment.  After  his  release  he 
made  a  deposition  setting  forth  many  grievous  barbarities  committed,  both 
by  tlic  Indians  and  tor  j,  upon  the  prisoners  who  fell  into  their  hands  that 
day.  They  were  cruelly  tortured,  several  of  them  murdered;  and,  as  the 
doctor  had  reason  to  believe,  some  of  them  were  subsequently  taken  to  an 
island  in  Lake  Ontario,  and  eaten.     This  is  scarcely  to  be  believed. 


yne. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     187 


d  a  shower 
firing  at  the 
ewhere,  the 
ely,  leaving 
sters  of  the 

he  numbers 
the  Revolu- 
of  the  Pro- 
ty  long  had 
was  taken 
ered  by  the 
:illed  by  the 
Colonel  But- 
lonel's  own 
ut  the  gene- 
imputation.' 

written  of  the 

rovincials,  from 

ish  chroniclers. 

the  present  in- 

amuel   Wood- 

1    the    written 

the  survivors  of 

jia  county,  was 
prisoner  in  this 
;r  his  release  he 
)mmitted,  both 
leir  hands  that 
d \  and,  as  the 
ly  taken  to  an 
believed. 


Major  John  Frev,  of  Colonel  Klock's  regiment,  was 
likewise  wounded  and  tak^n  ;  and  to  show  the  more  than 
savage  fury  burning  in  the  bosoms  of  the  men  brought 
into  conflict  on  this  occasion,  the  disgraceful  fact  may  be 
added,  that  his  own  brother,  who  was  in  the  British 
service,  attempted  to  take  his  life  after  he  had  arrived 
in  Butler's  camp.  The  major  saw  his  brother  approach- 
ing in  a  menacing  manner,  and  called  out  —  "  Brother, 
do  not  kill  me!  Do  you  not  know  me?"  But  the 
infuriated  brother  rushed  forward,  and  the  major  was 
only  saved  by  the  intei position  of  others.^  The  whole 
number  of  the  Provincial  militia  killed  was  two  hundred, 
exclusive  of  wounded  and  lost  as  prisoners.  Such,  at 
least,  was  the  American  report.  The  British  statements 
claimed  that  four  hundred  of  the  Americans  were  killed, 
and  two  hundred  taken  prisoners.^ 

Retaining  possession  of  the  field,  the  survivors  imme- 
diately set  themselves  at  work  in  constructing  rude  litters, 
upon  which  to  bear  off  the  wounded.  Between  forty 
and  fifty  of  these,  among  whom  was  the  commanding 
general,  were  removed  in  this  manner.     The  brave  old 


■  MS.  statement  of  Jacob  Timmerman,  in  the  autnor's  possession. 

- "  On  the  5th  I  learned,  from  discovering  parties  on  the  Mohawk  river, 
that  a  body  of  one  thousand  militia  were  on  their  march  to  raise  the  siege. 
On  the  confirmation  of  this  news,  I  moved  a  large  body  of  Indians,  with 
some  troops,  the  same  night,  to  lay  in  ambuscade  for  them  on  their  march. 
They  fell  into  it.  The  completest  victory  was  obtained.  Above  four  hun- 
dred lay  dead  on  the  field,  amongst  the  number  of  whom  were  almost  all 
the  principal  movers  of  rebellion  in  that  country."  —  Letter  of  Colonel  St. 
Leger  to  General  Burgoyne,  Aug.  ii,  1777. 


T  8  8       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


I 


man,  notwithstanding  the  imprudence  of  the  morning  — 
imprudence  in  allowing  a  premature  movement  at  the 
dictation  of  his  suboidinates —  had  nobly  vindicated  his 
character  for  courage  during  the  day.  Though  wounded, 
as  we  have  seen,  in  the  onset,  he  had  borne  himself 
durino;  the  six   hours  of  conflict,  under  the  most  trvi 


n;r 


circumstances,  with  a  degree  of  fortitude  and  composure 
worthy  of  all  admiration.  Nor  was  his  example  without 
effect  in  sustaining  his  troops  amid  the  perils  by  which 
they  were  environed.  At  one  time  during  the  battle, 
while  sitting  upon  his  saddle  raised  upon  a  little  hillock, 
being  advised  to  select  a  less  exposed  situation,  he  re- 
plied —  "I  will  face  the  enemy."  Thus,  ""  surrounded 
by  a  few  men,  he  continued  to  issue  his  orders  with  firm- 
ness. In  this  situation,  and  in  the  heat  of  the  onslaught, 
he  deliberately  took  his  tinder-box  from  his  pocket,  lit 
his  pipe,  and  smoked  with  great  composure."  ^  At  the 
moment  the  soldiers  were  placing  him  on  the  litter,  while 
adjusting  blankets  to  the  poles,  three  Indians  approached, 
and  were  instantly  shot  down  by  the  unerring  rifles  of 
three  of  the  militia.  These  were  the  last  shots  fired  in 
that  battle.^' 


*  Campbell.  An  officer,  who  was  in  the  general  staff  at  the  battle  uf 
Leipzig,  has  related  to  the  author  a  very  similar  incident  in  the  conduct  ot 
old  Blucher.  He  was  not  wounded  ;  but  he  sat  upon  a  hillock,  issuing  iiis 
orders  and  smoking  his  pipe,  while  the  cannon  halls  were  ploughing  up  the 
earth  about   him. 

=  Narrative  of  Jacob  Sammons,  MS.  Tiie  officers  of  the  Tryon  county 
inilitia  killed  or  wounded  in  this  battle  were  as  follows:  —  In  Colonel 
Frederick  Visscher's  regiment,  Captains  John  Divis  and  Samuel  Pettingill, 


oyne^ 


Expedition  of  Lt.  CoL  Barry  St.  Leger.     189 


I  morning  — 

:meiu   at  the 

indicated  his 

gh  wounded, 

orne  himself 

most  trvin-r 

id  composure 

mple  without 

ils  by  which 

y  the   battle, 

little  hillock, 

ation,  he  re- 

'^  surrounded 

Ts  with  firm- 

le  onslaught, 

is  pocket,  lit 

"  ^     At  the 

litter,  while 

approached, 

ring  rifles  of 

hots  fired  in 


at  the  battle  uf 
11  the  conduct  of 
Hock,  issuing  his 
iloughing  up  the 

le  Tryon  county 

;  —  In    Colonel 

imuel  Pettingill, 


The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  this  engagement  was  equally, 
if  not  more  severe,  than  that  of  the  Americans.  Th 
Greens  and  Rangers  of  Sir  John  Johnson  and  Colonel 
Butler  must  have  suffered  badlv,  although  no  returns 
were  given  in  the  contemporaneous  accounts.  Major 
Watts  was  severely  wounded  and  left  on  the  field,  as 
was  supposed,  among  the  slain.  His  death  was  reported 
by  Colonel  Willett,  in  his  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull, 
and  by  other  authorities.  But  such  was  not  the  fact. 
Reviving  from  faintness  produced  by  loss  of  biood,  some 
hours  after  the  action,  he  succeeded  in  crawling  to  a 
brook,  where,  by  slaking  his  thirst,  he  was  preserved 
from  speedy  death,  and  in  the  course  of  two  or  three 
days  was  found  by  some  Indian  scouts,  and  brought  into 


hilled  J  Major  Blauvelt  and  Lieut.  Groat  taken  prisoners  and  never  heard 
ot"  afterwards  ;  Captain  Jacob  Gardenier  and  Lieut.  Samuel  Gardenier 
wounded.  In  C'lloncl  [acob  Klock's  regiment,  Major  John  Eisenlord,  and 
Major  Van  Shuck,  and  Captain  Andrew  UiUenback,  killed;  Captains 
Christopher  Fux  and  John  Breadbeg,  wounded  ;  Brigade  MaJMi-  John  Frey, 
u'dunded  and  taken  prisoner.  In  Colonel  Peter  Bellinger's  legiment,  Major 
rliios  Klepsattle,  Captain  Frederic  Helmer,  and  Lieut.  Fetrie,  were  killed. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Frederick  Bellinger  and  Henry  Walradt  were  taken 
prisoners.  In  C(-lonel  Ebenezer  Cox's  regiment,  Colonel  Cox  and  Lieut. 
Col.  Hunt  were  killed;  Captains  Henry  Diefendort",  and  Robert  Grouse, 
and  [acob  Bowman,  killed.  Captain  Jacob  Seeber  and  Lieut.  William 
Si'clier  mortally  wounded.  The  surgeon,  Moses  Younglove,  was  taken 
[irisoncr.  Among  the  volunteers  not  belonging  to  the  milicia,  who  were 
killed,  were  Isaac  Paris  (then  a  member  of' the  legislature),  Samuel  Billing- 
ton,  )ohn  Dygert,  and  Jacob  Snell,  members  of"  the  committee  of  safety. 
There  was  likewise  a  Captain  Graves  who  fell,  but  to  which  regiment  he 
belonged  the  author  has  not  ascertained. 


17 


'■tr 


t  y 


1 90      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

St.  Leger's  camp.^  But  the  Indians  were  the  most 
roughly  handled,  they  having  lost  nearly  one  hundred 
warriors,  several  of  whom  were  sachems  in  great  favo". 
Frederick  Sammons,  who  had  been  detached  upon  a 
distant  scout  previous  to  the  battle,  returning  some  days 


'  This  statement  respecting  Major  Watts  was  derived  from  the  late  Mr. 
John  Watts,  of  New  York,  his  brother.  As  mentioned  in  the  text,  St. 
Leger,  in  his  official  report,  did  not  state  the  number  of  his  own  killed  and 
wounded.  Colonel  Butler,  however,  wrote  to  Sir  Guy  Carleton  — "  Of  the 
New  Yorkers,  Captain  M'Donald  was  killed,  Captain  Watts  dangerously 
wounded,  and  one  subaltern.  Of  the  Rangers,  diptains  Wilson  and  Hare 
killed,  and  one  private  wounded.  The  Indians  suft'ered  much,  having 
thirty-thre.'  killed  and  twenty-nine  wounded  5  the  Senecas  lost  seventeen, 
among  whom  were  several  of  their  chief  warriors,  and  had  sixteen  woundtd. 
During  the  whole  action  the  Indians  showed  the  greatest  zeal  for  his 
majesty's  cause  ;  and  had  they  not  been  a  little  too  precipitate,  scarcely  a 
rebel  of  the  party  would  have  escaped.  Most  of  the  leading  rebels  are  cut 
off"  in  the  action,  so  that  any  farther  attempts  from  that  quarter  are  not  to 
be  expected.  Captain  Watts,  of  the  Royal  New  Yorkers,  whose  many 
amiable  qualities  deserved  a  better  fate,  lay  wounded  in  three  places  upon 
the  field  two  days  before  he  was  found." —  Parliamentarx  Register. 

"  Major  Watts  was  wounded  through  the  leg  by  a  ball,  and  in  the  neck 
by  a  thrust  from  a  bayonet  which  passed  through  the  back  of  the  windpipe, 
and  occasioned  such  an  effusion  of  blood  as  to  induce  not  only  him  but  his 
captors  to  suppose  (after  leading  him  two  or  three  miles)  that  he  must  die 
in  consequence.  He  begged  his  captors  to  kill  him  ;  they  refused  and  left 
him  by  the  side  of  a  stream  (Oriskany  creek)  under  the  shade  of  a  bridge, 
where  he  was  found  two  days  subsequently,  covered  with  fly-blows,  but  still 
alive.  He  was  borne  by  some  Indians  to  Schenectady  where  he  remained 
(after  losing  his  leg)  until  sufficiently  recovered  to  bear  a  voyage  to  Eng- 
land."—  Airs.  Bonney^s  Lcgaey  of  Historictil  Gleanings^  vol.  I,  p.  69. 
"Major  Watts,"  says  his  grand  nephew.  Gen.  J.  Watts  De  Feyster,  in  a 
letter  to  the  author,  '*  died  in  elegant  retirement  surrounded  by  a  noble  family 
of  equally  brave  sons."  The  sash  taken  from  him  is  still  in  possession  of 
the  Sander's  family. 


me. 

;  the  most 
ne  liundred 
great  favo!-. 
led  upon  a 
l  some  days 

)m  the  late  Mr. 

in  the  text,  St. 

;  own  killed  and 

2ton  —  "  Of  the 

atts  dangerously 

Vilson  and  Haie 

d    much,  having 

s  lost  seventeen, 

sixteen  woundid. 

est    zeal    for   his 

ipitate,  scarcely  a 

ng  rebels  are  cut 

uarter  are  not  to 

;rs,  whose    many 

lee  places  upon 

Icgistcr. 

md  in  the  neck 
)f  the  windpipe, 
)nly  him  but  his 
lat  he  must  die 
refused  and  left 
lade  of  a  bridge, 
^-blows,  but  still 
;re  he  remained 
voyage  to   Eng- 
vol.    I,   p.   69. 
De  Peyster,  in  a 
by  a  noble  family 
in  possession  of 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     191 

afterward,  crossed  the  battlefield,  where,  he  says  —  "I 
beheld  the  most  shocking  sight  I  had  ever  witnessed. 
The  Indians  and  white  men  were  mingled  with  one 
another,  just  as  they  had  been  left  when  death  had  first 
completed  his  work  Many  bodies  had  also  been  torn 
to  pieces  by  wild  beasts."  ^ 

It  has  been  affirmed  that  the  Indians  were  persuaded 
to  join  in  this  battle  only  with  great  difficulty,  and  not 
until  they  had  been  induced  to  sacrifice  their  reason  to 
their  appetites.  It  was  very  manifest  that  during  the 
action  many  of  them  were  intoxicated.  The  conse- 
quence was,  that  they  suffered  more  severely  than  ever 
before.^  According  to  the  narrative  of  Mary  Jemison, 
the  Indians  (at  least  the  Senecas),  were  deceived  into 
the  campaign.  "  They  were  sent  for  to  see  the  British 
whip  the  rebels.  They  were  told  that  they  were  not 
wanted  to  fight,  but  merely  to  sit  down,  smoke  their 
pipes,  and  look  on.  The  Senecas  went  to  a  man  ;  but, 
contrary  to  their  expectation,  instead  of  smoking  and 
lookins:  on,  thev  were  oblii 


^g 


ley 


'g< 


and  in  the  end  of  the  battle  were  completely  beaten, 
with  a  great  loss  of  killed  and  wounded."  ^ 

The  whole  Indian  force  was  led  by  Thayendanegea  in 
person  —  "the  great  captain  of  the  Six  Nations,"  as  he 
was  then  called  —  and  as  the  Cayugas  had  now  likewise 
joined  the  Mohi.wks  in  alliance  with  the  arms  of  Eng- 


'  MS.  narrative  of  Frederick  Sammons,  in  the  author's  possession. 
-  Journal  of  Ccneral  Lincoln. 
3  Life  of  Mary  Jemison. 


192      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne,  - 


n 


laiul-— the  Onoiidagas  adopting  a  doubtful  policy,  hut  I  | 
always,  in  fact,  acting  against  the  Provincials  —  he  must 
have  had  a  larii-e  force  in  the  field.  Of  the  Senccas 
alone  thirty-six  were  killed  and  a  great  number  wounded. 
Captain  I^rant  was  accustomed,  long  years  afterward,  to 
speak  of  the  sufferings  of  his  "  poor  Mohawks"  in  that 
battle.  Indeed,  the  severity  with  which  they  were  han- 
dled on  that  occasion,  rendered  them  morose  and  intract- 
able during  the  remainder  of  the  campaign  ;  and  the 
unhappy  prisoners  were  the  first  to  minister  with  their 
blood  to  their  resentment.'^  "  Our  town,"  says  Marv 
Jemison,  "exhibited  a  scene  of  real  sorrow  and  distress 
when  ou!  warriors  returned  and  recounted  their  mis- 
fortunes, and  stated  the  real  loss  they  had  sustained  in  the 


enjiaj-ement. 


Th 


le  mourning  was  excessive,  and  was  ex- 
pressed by  the  most  doleful  yells,  shrieks,  and  howlini^s, 


an 


d  bv 


intmi 


tabl 


e  iresticulations. 


It  was  unfortunate  that  General  Herkiiiier  formed  his 


*  In  Mr.  Samuel  Woodruff's  memoranda  of  his  conversations  with  Brant, 
it  is  noted  as  the  admission  of  the  latter,  that  *'  he  and  his  Mohawks 
were  compelled  to  flee  in  a  dispersed  condition  through  the  woods, all  suffer- 
ing from  fatigue  and  hunger  before  they  arrived  at  a  place  of  safety.  Their 
retreat  began  at  nightfall.  They  were  pursued  by  a  body  of  Oneidas,  wiiu 
fought  wifh  General  Herkimer.  The  night  was  dark  and  lowery.  Ex- 
hausted by  the  labors  of  the  day,  and  fearful  he  might  be  overtaken  by  the 
pursuing  Oneidas,  Brant  ascended  a  branching  tree,  and  planting  hinisell  1 
in  the  crotch  of  it,  waited  somewhat  impatiently  for  daylight."  Tlicre  b 
evidently  somewhat  of  error  in  this  statement.  The  field  of  battle  wj: 
ni;t  more  than  five  rriiles  from  St.  Leger's  entrenchments,  and  the  battle 
was  ended  at  two  o'clock  p.m.  Judge  W.  probably  confounded  this  battle 
with  another  —  perhaps  that  of  the  Chemung. 


/le  oi 

his  me 
more- 
hcfore 
the  di 
ColoJK 
which 
effect  ( 
made, 
not  onl 
such  al 
was  coj 
himself 
for  this 
before 
iron    th 
troops, 
Colone 
of  the  r 
being  d 
ments  v 
and  his 
h)rm  hi 
was  not 
advancei 
divested 
put  it  on 
were  the 


'  J''i}l({o)l 


)yne. 


Expedition  of  l.t.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.      19J 


1  policy,  but 
s  —  be  must 
tbe  Senccas 
)er  wounded, 
afterward,  to 
wks"  in  that 
ey  were  ban- 
e  and  intract- 
ign  •,  and  tiie 
ter  with  their 
,"  says   Marv 
N  and  distress 
ed    their   mis- 
ustained  in  the 
e,  and  was  ex- 
and  bowlines, 

;er  formed  his 


rsations  with  Biant, 
and  his  Mohawks 
le  woods,  all  suffer- 

[lc  of  safety.     Their 
ly  of  Oneidas,  wlio 
and  low'jry.     Ex- 

lie  overtaken  by  the 

id   planting  hinisclt 

|aylight."     There  is 

held   of  battle  was 

lents,  and  the  battle  I 

n founded  this  battle 


line  of  march  with  so  little  judgment  that,  when  attacked, 
his  men  were  in  no  situation  to  support  each  other  ;  and 
niore  unfortunate  still,  that  he  marched  at  all,  so  long 
before  he  could  expect  to  bear  the  concerted  signal  for 
flie  diversion  t(^  he  made  in  his  favor  by  the  sortie  of 
Colonel  Willctt.  The  heavy  rain  storm,  moreover, 
which  caused  a  suspension  ot  the  battle,  bad  likewise  the 
effect  of  delaying  tbe  sally  for  nearly  an  hour.  It  was 
made,  however,  as  soon  as  it  was  piacticable,  and  was 
not  only  completely  successful,  but  was  conducted  with 
such  ability  and  spirit  by  the  gallant  officer  to  whom  it 
was  confided,  as  to  win  for  him  the  applause  of  the  foe 
himself.^  In  addition  to  the  two  hundred  men  detailed 
for  this  service,  under  Colonel  Willett's  command,  as 
before  stated,  fifty  more  were  added  to  guard  the  light 
iron  three  pounder  already  mentioned.  With  these 
tro'^ps,  and  this  his  only  piece  of  mounted  ordnance. 
Colonel  Willett  lost  not  a  moment,  after  the  eessatioii 
of  the  rain,  in  making  the  sally.  T^e  enemy's  sentinels 
being  directlv  in  sight  of  the  fort,  the  most  rapid  move- 
ments were  necessary.  The  sentinels  were  driven  in, 
and  his  advanced  guard  attacked,  before  he  had  time  to 
form  his  troops.  Sir  John  Johnson,  whose  regiment 
was  not  more  than  two  hundred  yards  distant  from  the 
advanced  guard,  it  being  very  warm,  was  in  his  tent, 
divested  of  his  coat  at  the  moment,  and  had  not  time  to 
put  it  on  before  his  camp  was  assailed.  Such,  moreover, 
were  the  celerity   of  Willett's   movement  and  the  im- 


Lofhlon  Unii'er^al  Aia^cv?'-'nir^  1782. 


194       Cdtnpaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


pctuosity  of  the  attack,  tliat  Sir  John  could  not  bilii(j;  his 
troops  into  order,  and  tlicir  only  resource  was  in  Hi^lit. 
The  Indian  encampment  vv.is  next  to  that  of  Sir  John, 
and  in  turn  was  carried  with  ecpial  rapidity.  'J'he  lain^ 
portion  of  the  Indians,  and  a  iletachment  from  the  ii<^i- 
ent  of  Sir  Ji)hn,  were,  at  the  \ery  moment  of  this  un 


m 


'ted 


dt 


th 


the  I 


i;itt  c 


expected  assault  upon  then'  (piai  ters,  engaged  m 
of  Oriskany.  Those  who  were  left  behind  now  betook 
themselves  —  Sir  John  ami  his  m 'n  to  the  river — ainl 
the  Iiulians  to  their  natural  shelter,  the  woods  —  the 
troops  of  Colonel  Willelt  firinix  briskly  upon  them  in 
their  flight.  The  amount  of  spoil  found  in  the  eneiii\'s 
camp  was  so  great,  that  Willett  was  obliged  to  send 
hastily  to  the  fort  for  wagons  to  convey  it  away.  Seven 
of  these  vehicles  were  three  times  loaded  and  discharp-id 
in   the   fort,  while  the  brave  little   Provincial  band  held 


possession  of  the  encampments. 

>f 


niong  the  spoils  th 


us 


captured,  consisting  of  camp  c(piipage,  clothing,  blankets, 
stores,  etc.,  were  five  British  standards,  the  baggage  of 
Sir  John  Johnson,  with  all  his  papers,  the  baggage  of  a 
number  of  other  officers,  with  memoranda,  journals,  and 
orderly  books,  containing  all  the  information  desirable 
on    the   part  of  the  besieged.^     While   Colonel  Willett 


*  "  Among  other  things  taken  from  the  enemy,  were  several  bundles  of 
papers,  and  a  parcel  of  letters  belonging  to  our  garrison,  which  they  had 
taken  from  our  militia,  but  not  yet  opened.  Here  I  found  one  letter  tor 
myself:  there  were  likewise  papers  belonging  to  Sir  John  Johnson,  and 
several  others  of  the  enemy's  officers,  with  letters  to  and  from  Gnieial 
St.  Leger,  the  commander.  These  letters  have  been  of  some  service  to  | 
us." — Colonel  Willett''s  letter  to  Go'ver/ior  Trumbull. 


KxpCilitioH  of  Lt.  (j)L  llmry  St.  l.egcr.     ic^5 

was  returninji;   to  the    foil,  Colonel  St.  rvCgcr,  who  wa^ 
on  the  opposite  side  ot  the  river,  attempted  a  niovenieiit 
to  iiiteiecpt   him.      VVillett's   position,  however,  enabled 
liim   to  form   his  troops   so  as   to  oive   tlie   enemy  a   full 
lire  in  front,  while  at  the  same  time  he  was  enfiladed  by 
the   fire  of  a  small    field-piece.      'I'he   distance   was   not 
im)re  than   sixty  yards   between  tlicm  ;   and  although  St. 
Leger   was  not   backward   in   returning  the   fire,  his   aim 
was  nevertheless  so  wild  as  to  be  entirely  without  effect. 
The   assailants    icturned    into    the    fortress   in    triumph 
without    having    lost    a    man  —  the    British    flags    were, 
hoisted  on   the  flag-staff'  under  the  American — and  the 
men,  ascending  the  parapets,  gave  three  as  hearty  cheers 
as   were  ever   shouted  by  the    same    number   of   voices. 
Among    the    prisoners   brought   oft'  by  the    victors,  was 
Lieutenant   Singleton,  of  Sir  John  Johnson's    regiment. 
Several  Indians  were  found  dead  in  their  camp,  and  others 


were  killed  in  crossing  the  river.      The  1 


OSS  o 


fth 


e  enem^ 


particularly  in  stores  and  baggage,  was  great  ;  while  the 
aft'air  itself  was  of  still  more  importance,  from  the  new 
spirit  of  patriotic  enthusiasm    with  which  it  inspired  the 


ittl( 


g^ 


rrison, 


or 


th 


is    c 


hival 


rous    ex 


ploit 


conn; 


gress 


passed  a  resolution  of  thanks,  and  directed  the  commis- 
y   general    of   military    stores    to   procure  an   elegant 


sar 


sword,  and   present  the   same  to   Colonel  Willett  in  the 
name  of  the  United  States. 


*  In  the  account  of  the  sortie,  the  author  has  adopted  almost  the  very 
language  of  the  brave  colonel  himself,  in  his  Narrative.  As  he  led  the 
affair,  and  was  of  course  the  best  4ualitied  to  describe  it,  the  author  could 
do  no  better  than  take  his  own  words.  In  tracing  the  progress  of  the 
siege,  it  will  be  often  necessary  to  draw  from  the  same  indisputable  source. 


icj6      (uin2pai\^)i  of  General  John  Htir^oyne. 


General  Herkimer  did  not  long  survive  the  battle. 
He  was  conveyed  io  his  own  house'  near  the  Mohawk 
river,  a  few  miles  below  the  f.ittle  falls  ;  wheie  his  leg, 
which  had  been  shattered  five  or  six  inches  below  the 
knee,  was  amputated  abtuit  ten  ilays  after  the  battle,  b)' 
a  young  French  surgeon  in  the  army  of  (ieneral  Arnold, 
and  contrary  to  the  advice  of  the  general's  own  medical 
adviser,  the  late  Di*.  Petrie.  But  the  operation  was  un- 
skilfully performed,"  and  it  was  found  impossible  by  his 
attendants  to  stanch  the  blood.  Colonel  Willett  called 
to  see  the  general  soon  after  the  operation.  He  was 
sitting  up  in  his  bed,  with  a  pipe  in  his  mouth,  smoking, 
and  talking  in  excellent  spirits.  He  died  the  night  fol- 
lowing that  visit.  His  friend.  Colonel  John  Roff,  was 
present  at  the  amputation,  and  affirmed  that  he  bore  the 
operation  with  uncommon  fortitude.  He  was  likewise 
with  him  at  the  time  of  his  death.  The  blood  continu- 
ing to  flow — there  being  no  physician  in  immediate  at- 
tendance—  and  being  himself  satisfied  that  the  time  of 
his  departure  was  nigh,  the  veteran  directed  the  Holy 
Bible  to  be  brought  to  him.  He  then  opened  it  and 
read,  in  the  presence  of  those  who  surrounded  his  bed, 
with  all  the  composure  which  it  was  possible  for  any 
to  exhibit,  the  thirty-eighth   psalm  —  applying  it  to 

He  soon  afterward  expired  ;   and  it 


man 

his  own  situation 


*   Yet  standing,  1837       See  Befiton's  Hcrk.  Co.,  151. 

^  Col.  Roff's  statement  —  MS.   in  possession  of  the  author. 

3  Statement    of  Colonel    John    Roll    (Roof),    a    god-son    of   General 
Herkimer,  and  who  was  in  the  action,  to  the  author's  father. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Le^cr.     197 

may  well  he  (jucstioned  wliethcr  the  annals  of  man  fur- 
nish a  more  striking  example  of  Christian  heroism  — 
calm,  (idiheratc,  and  firm  in  the  hour  of  death  —  than 
is  presented  in  this  remarkable  instance.  Of  the  early 
history  of  General  Herkimer  but  little  is  knt)wn.  It 
has  already  been  stated  that  liis  family  was  one  of  the 
first  of  the  (lermans  who  planted  themselves  in  the 
Mohawk  valley.  And  the  massive  stone  mansion,  yet 
standing  at  German  Flats,  bespeaks  its  early  opulence. 
He   was   an    uneducated    man — with,   if  possible,    'ess 


The  father   of  Coh)nel    John    Roof   (  [ohannis    Roof)   held    a   captain's 
commission  in  tlie  militia,  and,  with   his  son,  was  in  the   battle  of  Oris- 
kany.      He  was  a  prominent  man  in  his  day  j   and  it  is   not  a   little  singu- 
lar that,    up  to  this  time,  he  has  never  received   the   recognition   to  vvhici) 
lie  is  entitled,      Johannis  Rool'  came    over    from   Germany  in    175JJ,    and 
being  a  man  of  enterprise  and  of  means,  he  was,  ?oon  after   his   arrival   in 
this  country,  given  the  charge  of  th<;  carrying-place  at   Fort  Stanwix  j  and 
afterwards  —  such    was    his    industry    and    integrity  —  was    made    store- 
keeper and  inn-keeper  at  that  fort.      He  traced  quite  extensively  with  tiie 
Indians,  furnishing   supplies  to    the   garrison,  etc.      When   finally   driven 
thence,  he  sold  his  buildings  to  the  United  States,  but  before   he  was   paid 
fur  them,  they  were  burned  (by  order  of  the  government)   to  prevent  the 
tories    from    taking     possession.      Nor,    by    the    way,    did    he  ever  obtain 
(owing  to  his  papers  being  destroyed   by  the  burning  of  the  Patent-office) 
compensation.      After  the  destruction  of  his  buildings,  he  settled  at  Cana- 
joharie  —  expecting  to  return  to   Fort  Stanwix  (Rome),  after  peace  was  es- 
tablished —  but  the    garrison    being    withdrawn,    he    remained    at   Canajo- 
iiarie,  and  soon  after  bought  up  a  large  tract  of  land   at  that  place,  laid  it 
out  in  streets  and  village  lots,  and  erected  a  store-house,  combining  there- 
with a  hotel  [njidc  Stone's  Brant,   vol.  11,  p.   41  I,  note),  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  travelling  public  and  those   desiring  to  settle  in  the  vicinity. 
For  many  years  Canajoharie   was    known    as    Roof's  village. — Letter  from 
grandson  of  J  ohannis,  Roof  {Dr.  F.  H.    Roof   of  Rhineheck,    N.    T.),  to    the 
author^  June  izthj  1877. 


198      Campaign  of  General  John  Rurgoyne, 


t: 


skill   in  letters,  even  than    General    Putnam,    which    is 
saying    much.      But    he    was,    nevertheless,   a   man   of 
strong  and   vigorous   understanding  —  destitute  of  some 
of  the  essential  requisites  of  generalship,  but  of  the  most 
cool   and    daiintless    courage.      These    traits    were    all 
strikingly  disclosed  in  the  brief  and   bloody  expedition  to 
Oriskany.      But   he    niust   have  been    well   acquainted 
with   that    most    important    of   all   books  —  the    Bible. 
Nor    could    the    most  learned   biblical   scholar,   lay    or 
clerical,  have  selected  a  portion  of  the  sacred   Scriptures 
more  exact!/  appropriate  to  the  situation  of  the  dying 
soldier,    than  that   to   which    he   himself  spontaneously 
turned.      If  Socrates  died  like  a  philosopher,  ano  Rous- 
seau like  an  unbelieving  sentimentalist,  General  Herki- 
mer died   like  a   Christian  hero.      Congress  passed  a  re- 
solution   requesting  the  governor  and   council   of  New 
York    to    erect    a    monument   at    the    expense   of   the 
United  States,  to  the  memory  of  this  brave  man,  of  the 
value    of   five    hundred    dollars.     This    resolution   was 
transmitted    to    the   governor    ot    New    York,    Gt   rge 
Clinton,  in  a  letter  from  which  the  following  passage  is 
quoted  :      '^  Every    mark   of   distinction   shown    to   the 
memory  of  such  illustrious  men  as  offer  up  their  lives 
for  the  liberty  and  happiness   of  thei;    country,  reflects 
real  honor  on  those  who  pay  the  tribute  ;   and   by  hold- 
ing up  to  others  the  prospect  of  fame  and   immortality, 
will   animate   them  to  tread   in  the  same  path."     Go- 
vernor Clinton   thus   wrote  to  the  committee  of  Tryon 
county  on  the  occasion  :   "  Enclosed  you   have  a  letter 
and  resolves  of  congress,  for  erecting  a  monument  to 


the  mi 

you    I 

sense  ( 

nent  h 

brave  1 

service 

{j-reat  i 

away,  . 

ment, 

which 

Genera 

Tho 

clairnec 

true,  tf 

the  adv 

and  on 

sue.      i 

A\ailin 

and  we 

the  liari 

stances 

no  time 

the  besi 

the  batt 

and  Ma 


'  It  wa 

forces  t-ng: 
sortie  of 
tial  facts  o 


W 


i 


^ne. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     199 


w 


hicb 


IS 


a   man   of 
ite  of  some 
of  the  most 
s    were    all 
xpeditioii  to 
acquainted 
-  the    Bible. 
)lar,   lay    or 
J   Scriptures 
if  the  dyina; 
lontaneously 
,  ano  Rous- 
leral  Herki- 
passed  a  re- 
cil   of  New 
snse   of   the 
man,  ot  the 
olution   was 
»rk,   Gt    ':'d.^ 
g  passage  is 
wn   to   the 
their  lives 
ry,  reflects 
nd   by  hold- 
mmortality, 
ath."     Gu- 
e  of  Try  on 
ve  a  letter 
onument  to 


3 


the  memory  of  your  late  gallant  general.  While  with 
you  I  lament  the  cause,  I  am  impressed  with  a  due 
sense  of  the  great  and  justly  merited  honor  the  conti- 
nent has,  in  this  instance,  paid  to  the  memory  of  that 
brave  man."  Such  were  the  feelings  of  respect  for  the 
services  and  memory  of  the  deceased  entertained  by  the 
LHcat  men  of  that  dav.  Sixtv  years  have  since  rolled 
away,  and  the  jc^urnal  of  congress  is  the  only  monu- 
ment, a'"d  the  resolution  itself  the  only  inscription, 
which  as  yet  testify  the  gratitude  of  the  republic  to 
General   Nicholas  Herkimer. 

Though  in  fact  defeated  at  Oriskany,  the  enemy 
claimed,  as  we  have  seen,  a  victoiy.  In  one  sense,  it  is 
true,  the  achievement  was  theirs.  They  had  prevented 
the  advance  of  the  Americans  to  the  succor  of  the  tort; 
and  on  their  retreat  the  Americans  were  unable  to  pur- 
sue. Still  the  field  was  won,  and  retained  by  them.^ 
A\  ailing  himself  of  his  questionable  success,  however, 
and  well  knowing  that  days  must  probably  elapse  before 
the  garrison  could  become  apprised  of  the  whole  circum- 
stances of  the  engagement  and  its  issue,  St.  Leger  lost 
no  time  in  endeayoring,  by  false  representations,  to  press 
the  besieged  to  a  capitulation.  On  the  same  night  of 
the  battle,  tl.erefore,  at  nine  o'clock,  Colonel  Bellinger 
and  Major  Frey,  being  in  St.   Leger's  camp  as  prison- 


X 


'  It  was  alleged,  in  some  of  the  contemporaneous  accounts,  that  the 
forces  t-ngaged  with  Herkimer  were  ordered  hack  in  consequence  of  the 
sortie  of  Willett.  That  circumstance,  however,  does  not  alter  the  essen- 
tial facts  of  the  case.     Thi.  victory  was  the  same. 


i        SB; 


I 


■  ii>> 


200      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

ers,  were  compelled  to  address  a  note  to  Colonel  Gansc- 
voort,  greatly  exaggerating  the  disasters  of  the  day,  and 
strongly  urging  a  surrender.  In  this  letter  they  spoke 
of  the  defeat  at  Oriskan\',  of  the  impossibility  of  re- 
ceiving any  farther  succor  from  below  —  of  the  formida- 
ble force  of  St.  Leger,  together  with  his  train  of  artil- 
lery—  announced  the  probable  fact  that  Burgoyne  and 
his  army  were  then  before  Albany,  and  stated  that 
longer  resistance  would  only  result  in  "  inevitable  ruin 
and  destruction."  The  letter  was  transmitted  to  Colu- 
nel  Gansevoort  by  St.  Lcger's  adjutant-general,  Colo- 
nel Butler,  who,  in  delivering  it,  made  a  verbal  de- 
mand of  surrender.  C(jlonel  Gansevoort  replied  that 
he  would  give  no  answer  to  a  verbal  summons,  unless 
delivered  by  Colonel  St.  Leger  himself,  but  at  the 
mouth  of  his  cannon. 

On  the  following  day  a  white  flag  approache.'  the 
garrison,  with  a  request  that  Colonel  Butler,  and  two 
other  officers,  might  be  admitted  into  the  fort  as  bearers 
of  a  message  to  the  commanding  officer.  Permission 
being  granted,  those  officers  were  conducted  blind- 
folded into  the  fort,  and  received  by  Colonel  Gansc- 
vooit  in  his  dining-room.  The  windows  of  the  room 
were  shut,  and  candles  lighted  ;  a  table  was  also  spread, 
upon  which  were  placed  some  slight  refreshments. 
Colonels  Willett  and  Mcllen  were  present  at  the  inter- 
view, together  with  as  many  of  the  American  officers 
as  could  be  accommodated  in  the  (juartcrs  of  their  com- 
mander. After  the  officers  were  seated  and  the  wine 
had   been   passed   around,   Major   Ancrom,   one  of  the 


yne. 

onel  Gansc- 
he  day,  and 

they   spoke 

bility    of  rc- 

the  foimitla- 

rain  of  artil- 

uigoyiie  and 

stated  that 
evitable  ruin 
ted  to  Colo- 
neral,  Colo- 
a   verbal   dc- 

replied  that 
mons,  unless 

but    at    the 

proache.'  the 
tier,  and  two 
brt  as  bearers 
Permission 
ducted  blind- 
donel    Ganse- 

of  the  room 
IS  also  spread, 

rcfreshmenis. 
:  at  the  intei- 
L-rican  office's 

of  their  coni- 

and  the  wine 


n,   one 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St.  Le^  r.     201 

messengers,  addressed  Colonel  Gansevoort  in  substance 
as  follows  : 

"  I  am  directed  by  Colonel  St.  Leger,  the  officer 
commanding  the  army  now  investing  this  garrison,  to 
inform  the  commandant  that  the  colonel  has,  with 
much  difficulty,  prevailed  upon  the  Indians  to  agr'^e, 
that  if  the  garrison,  without  farther  resistance,  shall  be 
delivered  up,  with  the  public  stores  belonging  to  it, 
to  the  investing  army,  the  ofiicers  and  soldiers  shall 
have  all  their  baggage  and  private  property  secured 
to  them.  And  in  order  that  the  garrison  may  have  a 
sufficient  pledge  to  this  effect.  Colonel  Butler  accom- 
panies me  to  assure  them,  that  not  a  hair  of  the  head  of 
any  one  of  them  shall  be  hurt,"  (Here  turning  to 
Colonel  Butler,  he  said,  "  1  hat,  I  think,  was  the  ex- 
pression they  made  use  of,  was  it  not  ?"  —  to  which  the 
colonel  answered,  '^  Yes.")  "  I  am  likewise  directed  to 
remind  the  commandant,  that  the  defeat  of  General 
Herkimer  must  deprive  the  garrison  of  all  hopes  of  re- 
lief, especially  as  General  Burgoyne  is  now  in  Albany  ; 
so  that,  sooner  or  later,  the  fort  must  fall  into  our  hands. 
Colonel  St.  Leger,  from  an  earnest  desire  to  prevent 
farther  bloodshed,  hopes  these  terms  will  not  be  re- 
fused ;  as  in  this  case  it  will  be  out  of  his  power  to 
make  them  again.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that  the 
Indians  consented  to  the  present  arrangement,  as  it  will 
deprive  them  of  that  plunder  which  they  always  calcu- 
late upon  on  similar  occasions.  .lould,  then,  the 
present  terms  be  rejected,  it  will  be  out  of  the  power  of 
the  colonel  to  restrain  the  Indians,  who  are  very  nume- 

18 


■m 


202      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

roiis  and  exasperated,  not  only  from  plundering  the 
property,  but  of  destroying  the  lives,  probably,  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  garrison.  Indeed,  the  Indians  are 
so  exceedingly  provoked  and  mortified  by  the  losses 
they  have  sustained  in  the  late  actions,  having  had  seve- 
ral of  their  favorite  chiefs  killed,  that  they  threaten  — 
and  the  colonel,  if  the  present  arrangements  should  not 
be  entered  into,  will  not  be  able  to  ^  revent  them  from 
executing  their  threats  —  to  march  down  the  country, 
and  destroy  the  settlement,  with  its  inhabitants.  In 
this  case,  not  only  men,  but  women  and  children,  will 
experience  the  sad  effects  of  their  vengeance.  These 
considerations,  it  is  ardently  hoped,  will  produce  a 
proper  effect,  and  induce  the  commandant,  by  comply- 
ing with  the  terms  now  offered,  to  save  himself  from  fu- 
ture regret,  when  it  will  be  too  late." 

This  singular  oration  was  of  course  delivered  extem- 
poraneously, as  also  was  the  following  reply  by  Colonel 
Willett,  with  the  approbation  of  Colonel  Gansevoort : 

"  Do  I  understand  you,  sir  ?  I  think  you  say,  that 
you  come  from  a  British  colonel,  who  is  commander  of 
the  army  that  invests  this  fort  ;  and  by  your  uniform, 
you  appear  to  be  an  officer  in  the  British  service.  You 
have  made  a  long  speech  on  the  occasion  of  your  visit, 
which,  stripped  of  all  its  superfluities,  amounts  to  this 
—  that  you  come  from  a  British  colonel,  to  the  com- 
mander of  this  garrison,  to  tell  him,  that  if  he  does  not 
deliver  up  the  garrison  into  the  hands  of  your  colonel, 
he  will  send  his  Indians  to  murder  our  women  and 
children.  You  will  please  to  reflect,  sir,  that  their 
blood  will  be  on  your  head,  not  on  ours.     We  are  do- 


E 

ing  our 
and  we 
you  ma 
expect 
conside 
tor  a  B 
for  a  Bi 
clare,  b 
such  a  I 
count,  ( 
with  s[ 
times  b 
childrer 
Colo 
these  fa 
British 
emphasi 
this  repl 
Provinc 
the  thre 
with  th 
capitula 
part  of  1 
tain  the 
the  inte 
an  Engl 


'oyne, 

indering  the 
bably,  of  the 
e  Indians  are 
»y  the  losses 
ing  had  seve- 
^  threaten  — 
ts  should  not 
t  them  from 
the  country, 
abltants.  In 
children,  will 
mce.  These 
11  produce  a 
,  by  comply- 
iself  from  fu- 

vered  extem- 

y  by  Colonel 

Gansevoort : 

you  say,  that 

ommander  of 

'our  uniform, 

ervice.     You 

of  your  visit, 

ounts  to  this 

to  the  com- 

he  does  not 

your  colonel, 

■  women  and 

ir,  that    their 

We  are  do- 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     203 

ing  our  duty  ;  this  garrison  is  committed  to  our  charge, 
and  we  will  take  care  of  it.  After  you  get  out  of  it, 
you  may  turn  round  and  look  at  its  outside,  but  never 
expect  to  come  in  again,  unless  you  come  a  prisoner.  I 
consider  the  message  you  have  brought,  a  degrading  one 
for  a  15ritish  officer  to  send,  and  by  no  means  reputable 
for  a  British  officer  to  carry.  For  my  own  part,  I  de- 
clare, before  I  would  consent  to  deliver  this  garrison  to 
such  a  murdering  set  as  your  army,  by  your  own  ac- 
count, consists  of,  I  would  suffer  my  body  to  be  filled 
with  splinters,  and  set  on  fire,  as  you  know  has  at 
times  been  practiced,  by  such  hordes  of  women  and 
children  killers  as  belong  to  your  army." 

Colonel  Willett  observes  in  his  narrative,  whence 
these  facts  are  drawn,  that  in  the  delivery  he  looked  the 
British  major  full  in  the  face  ;  and  that  he  spoke  with 
emphasis  is  not  doubted.  The  sentiments  contained  in 
this  reply  were  received  with  universal  applause  by  the 
Provincial  officers,  who,  far  from  being  intimidated  by 
the  threats  of  the  messengers,  were  at  once  impressed 
with  the  idea  that  such  pressing  efforts  to  induce  a 
capitulation  could  only  be  the  eff^ect  of  doubt,  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy  himself,  of  his  abilitv  either  to  sus- 
tain the  siege  or  carry  the  works  by  assault.  Before 
the  interview  was  closed.  Major  Ancrom  requested  that 
an  English  surgeon,  who  was  with  him,  might  be  per- 
mitted to  visit  the  British  wounded  in  the  garrison, 
which  request  was  granted.  Major  Ancrom  also  pro- 
posed an  armistice  for  three  days,  which  was  likewise 
agreed  to  by  Colonel  Gansevoort  —  the  more  readily, 
probably,  because  of  his  scanty  supply  of  ammunition. 


ivi' 


204      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

On  the  9th  of  August,  Colonel  Gansevoort  having 
refused  to  recognize  any  verbal  messages  from  the 
British  commander,  Colonel  St.  Leger  transmitted  the 
substance  of  Major  Ancrom's  speech  in  the  form  of  a 
letter  —  protesting  that  no  indignity  was  intended  by 
the  delivery  of  such  a  message  —  a  message  that  had 
been  insisted  upon  categorically  by  the  Indians — and 
formally  renewing  the  summons  of  a  surrender  —  add- 
ing, that  the  Indians  were  becoming  exceedingly  im- 
patient, and  if  the  proposition  should  be  rejected,  the 
refusal  would  be  attended  with  very  fatal  consequences, 
not  only  to  the  garrison,  but  to  the  whole  country  of 
th.  Mohawk  river. 

The  reply  of  Colonel  Gansevoort  was  written  with 
soldierly  brevity,  in  the  follov/ing  words: 

CoL.  Gansevoort  to  Col.   St.  Leger. 

"  Fort  Schuyler^  Jug  gth^  ^111' 
"  Sir  :  "  Your  letter  of  this  day's  date  I  have  received, 
in  answer  to  which  I  say,  that  it  is  my  determined  resolu- 
tion, with  the  forces  under  my  command,  to  defend  this 
fort  to  the  last  extremity,  in  behalf  of  the  United 
American  States,  who  have  placed  me  here  to  defend  it 
against  all  their  enemies. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 
"  Your  most  ob't  humble  serv't, 

'*  Peter  Gansevoort, 
"  Col,  commanding  Fort  Schuyler. 
"  Gen.  Barry  St,  Leger.''  ^ 


*  Copied,   by    the   author,   from    the  original  draft,   found   among  the 
Gansevoort  papers. 


P'ailii 
besiegei 
expedie 
habitant 
son,  Cc 
in  its  te 
Leger  t 
with  str 
of  peace 
past,  nc 
signers 
people, 
of  a  vie 
for  the 
event  o] 
son  of 
nouncec 
Mohaw 
their  pri 
what  th( 
they  did 
that  eve 
Messen| 
Try  on  ( 
soon  api 
serious  c 

But  i] 


'  I    ha^ 
page  451. 


)yne. 

oort  having 
s  from  the 
nsmitted  the 
:  form  of  a 
intended  by 
ge  that  had 
idians —  and 
nder  —  add- 
led! ngly  im- 
rejected,  the 
)nsequences, 
e  country  of 

written  with 


Leger. 

9^^  i777« 
ave  received, 

nined  resolu- 

o  defend  this 

the   United 

to  defend  it 

sir, 
erv't, 

iVOORT, 

'•t  Schuyler. 
3und   among  the 


Expedition  of  Lt,  CoL  Barry  St,  Leger,     205 

Failing  in  these  attempts  to  induce  a  surrender,  the 
besiegers,  four  days  afterward,  had  recourse  to  another 
expedient.  It  was  the  issuing  of  an  appeal  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Tryon  county,  signed  by  Sir  John  John- 
son, Colonel  Claus,  and  Colonel  John  Butler,  similar 
in  its  tenor  to  the  verbal  and  written  messages  of  St. 
Leger  to  Colonel  Gansevoort.  The  appeal  commenced 
with  strong  protestations  of  a  desire  for  the  restoration 
of  peace,  with  a  promise  of  pardon,  and  oblivion  for  the 
past,  notwithstanding  the  many  and  great  injuries  the 
signers  had  received,  upon  a  proper  submission  by  the 
people.  They,  too,  were  threatened  with  the  ravages 
of  a  vie  orious  army,  and  the  resentment  of  the  Indians 
for  the  losses  they  had  sustained  at  Oriskany,  in  the 
event  of  rejecting  this  appeal  In  regard  to  the  garri- 
son of  Fort  Schuyler,  its  longer  resistance  was  pro- 
nounced "  mulish  obstinacy,"  and  the  people  of  the 
Mohawk  valley  were  urged  to  send  up  a  deputation  of 
their  principal  men,  to  oblige  the  garrison  to  do  at  once 
what  they  must  be  forced  to  do  soon  —  surrender.  If 
they  did  not  surrender,  the  threat  was  again  repeated 
that  every  soul  would  be  put  to  death  by  the  Indians.^ 
Messengers  were  despatched  with  this  document  into 
Tryon  county,  but  to  no  good  purpose  ;  while,  as  will 
soon  appear,  some  of  those  messengers  were  involved  in 
serious  difficulty  by  their  errand. 

But  if  Colonel  Willet's  success  in  the  brilliant  exe- 


'  I    have  found  this  document   only  in    The  Remembrancer    for    1777, 
page  451. 


cio6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

cution  of  the  sortie  on  the  6th,  entitled  him,  as  it  un- 
questionably did,  to  the  commendations  he  received,  a 
still  more  perilous  enterprise,  undertaken  by  him  a  tew 
days  afterward,  was  thought,  alike  by  friends  and  tucs, 
to  entitle  him  to  still  greater  applause.  The  artillery 
of  the  besiegers  was  not  sufficiently  heavy  to  make  an\ 
impression  upon  the  works,  and  there  was  every  proba- 
bility that  the  garrison  might  hold  out  until  succors 
should  be  obtained,  could  their  situation  b(^  made  known. 
Col.  Willett  was  not  only  well  acquainted,  but  exceed- 
ingly popular,  in  Tryon  county  ;  and  it  was  supposed 
that,  should  he  show  himself  personally  among  the 
militia  of  that  district,  notwithstanding  the  extent  ot 
their  suffering  in  the  late  expedition,  he  might  yet  rally 
a  force  sufficient  to  raise  the  siege.  The  bold  project 
was  therefore  conceived  by  him  of  passing  by  night,  in 
company  with  another  officer,  through  the  enemy's 
works,  and,  regardless  of  the  danger  from  the  prowling 
savages,  making  his  way.  through  some  forty  or  fifty 
miles  of  sunken  morasses  and  pathless  woods,  in  order 
to  raise  the  county  and  bring  relief.^  Selecting  Major 
Stockweii  for  his  companion.  Colonel  Willett  undertook 
the  expedition  on  the  loth,  and  left  the  fort  at  ten 
o'clock  that  night,  each  armed  with  nothing  but  a  spear, 
and  provided  only  with  a  small  supply  of  crackers  and 
cheese,  a  small  canteen  of  spirits,  and  in  all  other  re- 
spects unincumbered,  even  by  a  blanket.  Having  es- 
caped from  the  sally-port,  they  crept  upon  their  hands 
and   knees  along  the   edge  of  a    morass   to  the   river, 


*   British  Universal  Magazine. 


oyne. 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St,  Leger.     aoy 


m,  as  It  un- 
e  received,  a 
y  him  a  tew 
ids  and  foes, 
The  artillcM) 
to  make  am 

every  proba- 
iintil  succors 
nade  known. 

but  exceed- 
vas  supposed 
'  among  the 
be  extent  of 
ght  yet  rally 

bold  project 

by   night,  in 

the  enemy's 
the  prowling 
forty  or  fifty 
Dds,  in  order 
scting  Major 
ett  undertook 
fort  at  ten 
y  but  a  spear, 
crackers  and 

all  other  re- 
Having  es- 
\  their  hands 
to  the   river, 


which  they   crossed  by  crawling   over  upon  a  log,  and 
succeeded  in  getting  off  unperceived  by  the  sentinels  of 
the  enemy,  although  passing  very  near  to  them.     Their 
first  advance  was  into  a  deep-tangled  forest  in  which, 
enveloped   in  thick  darkness,   they   lost   their   direction, 
and  found  it  impossible  to  proceed.      While  in  this  state 
(jf  uncertainty,  the  barking  of  a  dog  added  little  to  their 
comfort,  inasmuch  as  it  apprised   them  that  they  were 
not  far  from  a  new  Indian  encampment,  formed  subse- 
quent  to   the   sortie  a    few  days    before.      They    were, 
therefore,  compelled  to  stand   perfectly  still  for  several 
hours,   and   until    the    morning  star   appeared  to  guide 
their  way.      Striking    first  in   a    northern   direction    for 
several   miles,  and  then  eastwardly,  they  traced  a  zig- 
zag course,  occasionally  adopting  tne  Indian  method  of 
concealing    their    trail   by    walking   in  the   channels   of 
streams,  and  by   stepping   on  stones  along  the    river's 
edge.     In  this  way  they  travelled  the  whole  of  the  en- 
suing day   without  making  a  single  halt.      On  the  ap- 
proach of  night  they  dared  not  to  strike  a  light,   but   lay 
down  to  sleep,  interlocked  in  each  other's  arms.     Pur- 
suing their  journey   on    the    I2th,  their   little  stock  of 
provisions  being   exhausted,   they    fed    upon  raspberries 
and  blackberries,  of  which  they  found  an  abundance  in  an 
opening    occasioned    by    a    windfall.     Thus    refreshed, 
they  pushed  forward  with  renewed  vigor  and  at  an  ac- 
,   derated    pace,   and   arrived   at   Fort   Dayton   at    three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.^ 


^  '*  So  successful  was  Col.  Willett  in  all  his  movements,  that  the 
Indians,  be'.ieving  him  to  be  possessed  of  supernatural  power,  gave  to  him 
the  name  of  the  Devil."  —  Campbell. 


2o8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


E 


'.  * 


If 
i.i  • 

Is ' 


The  colonel  and  his  friend  received  a  hearty  welcome 
from  Colonel  Weston,  whose  regiment  was  then  in 
charge  at  P'ort  Dayton,  and  from  whom  he  obtained  tlic 
agreeable  intelligence  thiit,  on  learning  the  news  of 
General  Herkimer's  disaster.  General  Schuyler  had 
ordered  Generals  Arnold  and  Li:rned,  with  the  Massa- 
chusetts brigade,  to  march  to  the  relief  of  Colonel 
Gansevoort.  Colonel  Willett  thereupon  took  horse 
immediately  for  Albany  to  meet  General  Arnold,  who 
was  to  command  the  expedition  ;  and  in  four  days  after- 
ward accompanied  Arnold  back  to  Fort  Dayton,  where 
the  troops  were  assembling.  The  first  New  York 
regiment  had  been  added  to  the  brigade  of  General 
Larned,  who  was  yet  in  the  rear,  bringing  up  the  heavy 
baggage  and  stores. 

During  Willett's  brief  absence  to  Albany  an  inci- 
dent occurred  in  the  neighborhood  of  Fort  Dayton, 
showing  that  if  he  had  been  active  in  his  attempts  to 
bring  succors  to  the  fort,  the  enemy,  on  the  other 
hand,  had  not  been  idle.  About  two  miles  above  Fort 
Dayton  resided  a  Mr.  Shoemaker,  a  disaffected  gentle- 
man, who  had  been  in  his  majesty's  commission  of  the 
peace.  Having  heard  of  a  clandestine  meeting  of  tories 
at  the  house  of  that  gentleman,  Colonel  Weston  de- 
spatched a  detachment  of  troops  thither,  which  came 
upon  the  assemblage  by  surprise,  and  took  them  all 
prisoners.  Among  them  was  Lieutenant  Walter  N. 
Butler,  from  St.  Leger's  army,  who,  with  fourteen 
white  soldiers  and   the  same  number  of  Indians,^  had 


*    The  Remembrancer  for  1777,  page  395. 


visited 
John  J( 
in  a  pr 
timid   a 
vincial 
army  b 
his  hari 
welcon 
martial 
tribuna 
The  li( 
death  ; 
who  hs 
his  life 
moved 
spring 
Marqu 
North( 
conseq 
ceded  1 
then  n 
but  sh 
was  re 
tinguis 
ful  val 
Th( 
been  t 

'  The 
ants  of  t 
for  such 


yne. 

■ty  welcome 
^as  then  in 
)btained  the 
e  news  of 
buyler  had 
the  Massa- 
of  Colonel 
took  horse 
Linold,  who 
•  days  after- 
ton,  where 
Vew  York 
of  General 
)  the  heavy 

iy  an  inci- 
rt  Dayton, 
attempts  to 
I  the  other 
above  Fort 
:ted  gentle- 
sion  of  the 
ig  of  tories 
^Vcston  de- 
'hich  came 
:  them  all 
^Valter  N. 
h  fourteen 
dians/  had 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Legcr,    209 

visited  the  German  Flats  secretly,  with  the  appeal  of  Sir 
John  Johnson,  Claus,  and  the  elder   Butler,  referred  to 
in  a  preceding  page,  for  the  purpose  of  persuading  the 
timid   and   disaffected  inhabitants  to   abandon  the  Pro- 
vincial   cause,   and    enrol    themselves    with    the    king's 
army  before  Fort  Schuyler.      Butler  was  in  the  midst  of 
his  harangue  to  the  meeting  at  the  moment  of  the  un- 
welcome surprise.     General    Arnold   ordered  a  court- 
martial,  and  caused  him  to  be  tried  as  a  spy.^     Of  this 
tribunal   Colonel   Willett  officiated  as  judge  advocate. 
The  lieutenant  was  convicted,  and  received  sentence  of 
death  ;  but  at  the  intercession  of  a  number  of  officers, 
who  had  known  him  while  a  student  at  law  in  Albany,  . 
his  life  was  spared  by  a  reprieve.      He  was,  however,  re- 
moved   to    Albany   and    closely    imprisoned    until    the 
spring    of    the    following    year.     When     General    the 
Marquis   de  Lafayette    assumed    the  command    of  the 
Northern  department,  the  friends  of  the  Butler  family,  in 
consequence,  as  it  was  alleged,  of  his  ill-health,  inter- 
ceded for  a  mitigated  form  of  imprisonment.      He  was 
then  removed  to  a  private  house  and  kept  under  guard, 
but  shortly   afterward   effected   his   escape  —  owing,    it 
was  reported,  to  treachery  —  and  was  subsequently  dis- 
tinguished as  one  of  the  severest  scourges  of  the  beauti- 
ful valley  which  had  given  him  birth. 

The  address  of  Johnson,  Claus,  and   Butler,  having 
been  thus  introduced  among  the  people  of  the  county. 


i 


^^ 


'  The  Remembrancer  states  that  Butler  came  "on  a  truce  to  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  county."  But  if  he  did  bear  a  flag,  it  could  be  no  protection 
for  mch  a  mission  — as  it  was  not. 


£ 


■  A' 

,  -V. 


210      Campaign  of  General  John  Bur^oyne. 

Arnold  issued  a  proclamation  from  Fort  Dayton  for  the 
purpose  of  counteracting  its  influence.  It  was  couched 
in  severe  language  in  regard  to  St.  Leger  and  his  hete- 
rogeneous army — denounced  those  of  the  people  who 
might  be  seduced  by  his  arts  to  enrol  themselves  under 
the  banner  of  the  king  —  but  promised  pardon  to  all, 
whether  Americans,  savages,  Germans,  or  l^ritons, 
who  might  return  to  duty  to  the  states. 

Meantime  Colonel  St.  Leger  was  pushing  his  opera- 
tions before  the  fort  with  considerable  vigor.  P^vcry 
effort  to  intimidate  the  garrison  having  failed,  and  the 
commander  exhibiting  an  unsubmitting  spirit,  St.  Leger 
"commenced  approaching  by  sap,  and  had  formed  two 
parallels,  the  second  of  which  brought  him  near  the 
edge  of  the  glacis  ;  but  the  fire  of  musketry  from  the 
covert  way  rendered  his  farther  progress  very  difficult."' 
The  fire  of  his  ordnance  producing  no  effect,  his  only 
means  of  annoying  the  garrison  was  by  throwing  shells  ; 
but  these  proved  of  so  Itittle  consequence  as  to  afford  a 
discouraging  prospect  of  success.  Having  advanced, 
h.~)wever,  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  it  is  not  to 
be  denied  that  some  uneasiness  began  to  be  manifested 
within  the  garrison.  Ignorant  of  the  fate  of  Colonel 
Willett  and  Major  Stockwell,  and  entirely  cut  off  from 
^"  communication  from  without,  their  provisions  daily 
exhausting,  and  having  no  certain  prospect  of  relief, 
some  of  the  officers  commence  ' 


speaking 


isperi 


f 


ment 
to  St. I 
the  c( 
of  thel 
event' 
provisi 
night,! 
besiegj 
Foi 
term  in 
until 
cause 


the  expediency  of  saving  the  garrison  from  a  reenact- 


^    fVillett''s  Narrat'fve. 


oyne. 

lytoii  for  ihc 
A'as  couched 
nd  his  hctc- 

people  who 
selves  under 
irdon    to  all, 

or    l^ritons, 

g  his  opera- 

gor.      P^vcry 

iled,  and  the 

it,  St.   Lcger 

formed  two 

lim  near  the 

try  from  the 

■y  difficult.'" 

ect,  his  only 

wing  shells ; 

to  afford  a 

advanced, 

it  is  not  to 

manifested 

of  Colonel 

ut  off  from 

visions  daily 

t    of  relief, 

whispers  of 

a  reenact- 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col,  Barry  St.  Leger,    2 1 1 

nient  of  the  P'ort  William  Henry  tragedy,  by  acceding 
to  St.  Leger's  proffered  terms  of  capitulation.  Not  so 
the  commander.  After  weighing  well  the  circumstances 
of  the  case,  he  came  to  the  deliberate  resolve,  in  the 
event  of  obtaining  no  succor  from  without,  when  his 
provisions  wer-:  about  exhausted,  to  make  a  sally  at 
night,  and  cut  his  way  through  the  encampment  of  the 
besiegers,  or  perish  in  the  attempt. 

Fortunately,  the  necessity  of  executing  the  bold  de- 
termination  did    not  arrive.     The  siege  had  continued 
until  the   22d  of  August,  when  suddenly,  without  any 
cause   within  the   knowledge   of   the  garrison,   the  be- 
siegers broke  up  their  encampment,  and  retired  in  such 
haste  and  confusion  as   to   leave  their    tents,   together 
with  a  great  part  of  their  artillery,  camp  equipage,  and 
baggage  behind.     What  was  the  motive  for  this  unex- 
pected  flight  of  a    vaunting  and  all  but  victorious  foe, 
was  a  problem  they   were   unable  to  solve  within   the 
garrison,  although  their  joy  was  not,  on  that  account, 
the  less  at  their  deliverance.     It  subsequently  appeared 
that  the  panic  which  produced  this  welcome  and  unex-, 
pected    change  in    the    situation  of  the   garrison,   was 
caused  by  a  ruse-de-gnerre^  practiced  upon  the  forces  of 
St.  Leger  by  General  Arnold,  who  had  been  waiting  at 
Fort   Dayton   several   days  for  the  arrival  of  reinforce- 
ments and  supplies.^     But  having  heard  that  St.  Leger 


liiii 


'  "  I  wrote  you,  the  2ist  instan'-,  fium  German  Flats,  what  from  the  best 
intelligence  I  could  procure  of '.he  enemy's  strength,  it  was  much  superior 
to  our's  J  at  the  same  time  I  inclosed  you  a  copy  of  the  r^^solutions  of  a 
Luuncil  of  war,  and  requested  you  to  send  me  a  .einforcement  of  one  thou- 


•2 1 2      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


had  made  his  approaches  to  within  a  short  distance  of 
the  fort,  Arnold,  on  the  22d  of  August,  determined  at 
all  events  to  push  forward  and  hazard  a  battle,  rather 
than  see  the  garrison  fall  a  sacrifice.^  With  this  view, 
on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  he  resumed  his  march  for 
Fort  Schuyler,  and  had  proceeded  ten  miles  of  the  dis- 
tance from  P'ort  Dayton  when  he  was  met  by  an  ex- 
press from  Colonel  Gansevoort,  with  the  gratifying  in- 
telligence that  the  siege  had  been  raised.  The  cause  of 
this  sudden  movement  was  yet  as  great  a  mystery  to  the 
colonel  and  his  garrison,  as  was  the  flight  of  the  host  of 
Ben-hadad  from  before  Samaria  to  the  king  of  Israel, 
when  the  Syrian  monarch  heard  the  supernatural  sound 
of  chariots,  and  the  noise  of  horses,  in  the  days  of 
Elisha  the  prophet.  Arnold  was,  of  course,  less  in  the 
dark.     The  circumstances  were  these  : 

Among  the  party  of  cories  and  Indians  captured  at 
Shoemaker's  under  Lieutenant  Butler,  was  a  singular 
being  named  Hon-Yost  Schuyler.  His  place  of  resi- 
dence was  near  the  Little  falls,  where  his  mother  and 
a  brother  named  Nicholas,  were  then  residing.  Hon- 
Yost  Schuyler  was  one  of  the  coarsest  and  most  ignorant 


sand  light  troops." —  Letter  of  Arnold  to  Gfn.  Gates,  Aug,  23,  1777. —  "1 
have  been  retarded  by  the  badness  of  the  roads,  waiting  for  some  baggage, 
and  ammunition,  and  for  he  militia,  who  did  not  turn  out  with  that 
Spirit  v/hich  I  expected.  They  are  now  joining  me  in  great  numbers  A 
few  days  will  relieve  you." —  MS.  letter  from  Artiold  to  Col.  Gansevoort, 
Auir.  22,  I777« 

*  Letters  above  cited  from  Arnold  to  Gen.  Gates. —  F'ide  Remembrun(i>, 
^111  i  pagt  444- 


yne. 

distance  of 
itermined  at 
atlle,  rather 

I  this  view, 
is  march  for 

of  the  dis- 
et  by  an  ex- 
ratifying  in- 
rhe  cause  of 
ystery  to  the 
•  the  host  of 
g  of  Israel, 
itural  sound 
the  days  of 
e,  less  in  the 

captured  at 
s  a  singular 
lace  of  resi- 

mother  and 
iing.  Hon- 
lost  ignorant 

13)  I777-— "J 
ir  some  baggage, 

II  out   with   tliat 
;at  numbers      A 

Col.     Gatisd'oorl, 

'if  Reniembrutntr^ 


Expedition  of  Lt,  CoL  Barry  St,  Leger,    213 

men  in  the  valley,  appearing  scarce  half  removed  from 
idiocy  ;  and  yet  there  was  no  small  share  of  shrewdness 
in  his  character.  Living  upon  the  extreme  border  of 
civilization,  his  associations  had  been  more  with  the 
Indians  than  the  whites  ;  and  tradition  avers  that  they 
regarded  him  with  that  mysterious  reverence  and  awe 
with  which  they  are  inspired  by  fools  and  lunatics. 
Thus  situated  and  thus  constituted,  Hon-Yost  had  par- 
tially attached  himself  to  the  royalist  cause,  though  pro- 
bably, like  the  cow-boys  of  West  Chester,  he  really 
cared  little  which  party  he  served  or  plundered  ;  and  had 
he  been  the  captor  of  the  unfortunate  Andre,  would 
have  balanced  probabilities  as  to  the  best  way  of  turning 
the  prize  to  account.  Be  these  things,  however,  as  they 
may,  Hon-Yost  was  captured,  with  Walter  Butler,  and, 
like  him,  was  tried  for  his  life,  adjudged  guilty,  and  con- 
demned to  death.  His  mother  and  brother,  hearing  of 
his  situation,  hastened  to  Fort  Dayton,  and  implored 
General  Arnold  to  spare  his  life.  The  old  woman 
strongly  resembled  the  gipsey  in  her  character,  and  the 
eloquence  and  pathos  with  which  she  pleaded  for  the  life 
of  her  son,  were  long  remembered  in  the  unwritten 
history  of  the  Mohawk  valley.  Arnold  was  for  a  time 
inexorable,  and  the  woman  became  almost  frantic  with 
grief  and  passion  on  account  of  her  wayward  son. 
Nicholas,  likewise,  exerted  himf^elf  to  the  utmost  in  be- 
half of  his  brother.  At  length  General  Arnold  proposed 
terms  upon  which  his  life  should  be  spared.  The  con- 
ditions were,  that  Hon-Yost  should  hasten  to  Fort 
Schuyler,  and  so  alarm  the  camp  of  St.  Leger  .^.s  to  in- 


214      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


duce  him  to  raise  the  seige  and  fly.  The  convict-traitor 
gladly  accepted  the  proposition,  and  his  mother  offered 
herself  as  a  hostage  for  the  faithful  performance  of  his 
commission.  Arnold,  however,  declined  receiving  the 
woman  as  a  hostage,  preferring  and  insisting  that 
Nicholas  should  be  retained  for  that  purpose.  To  this 
the  latter  readily  assented,  declaring  that  he  was  per- 
fectly willing  to  pledge  his  life  that  Hon-Yost  would 
fulfil  his  engagements  to  the  utmost.  Nicholas  was, 
therefore,  placed  in  confinement,  while  Hon-Yost  de- 
parted for  the  camp  of  Colonel  St.  Leger  —  having  made 
an  arrangement  with  one  of  the  Oneida  Indians,  friendly 
to  the  Americans,  to  aid  him  in  the  enterprise.  Before 
his  departure  several  shots  were  fired  through  Schuyler's 
clothes,  that  he  might  appear  to  have  had  a  narrow 
escape  ;  and  the  Oneida  Indian,  by  taking  a  circuitous 
route  to  Fort  Schuyler,  was  to  fall  into  the  enemy's 
camp  from  another  direction,  and  aid  Hon-Yost  in 
creating  the  panic  desired.  The  emissary  first  presented 
himself  among  the  Indians,  who  were  in  a  very  suitable 
state  of  mind  to  be  wrought  upon  by  exactly  such"a  per- 
sonage. They  had  been  moody  and  dissatisfied  ever 
since  the  battle  of  Oriskany  —  neither  the  success  nor 
the  plunder  promised  them  had  been  won,  and  they  had 
previously  received  some  vague  and  indefinite  intelligence 
respecting  the  approach  of  Arnold.  They  had  likewise 
just  been  holding  a  pow-wow,  or  were  actually  convened 
in  one,  for  the  purpose  of  consulting  the  Manito  touch- 
ing the  dubious  enterprise  in  which  they  were  engaged, 
when  Hon-Yost  arrived.     Knowing  their  character  well, 


/ict-traitor 
ber  offered 
nee  of  his 
:eiving  the 
sting  that 
To  this 
e  was  per- 
ost  would 
lolas  was, 
i-Yost  de- 
,ving  made 
IS,  friendly 
;.  Before 
Schuyler's 

a   narrow 

circuitous 
2  enemy's 
n-Yost  in 
:  presented 
ry  suitable 
uch'a  per- 

fied  ever 
jccess  nor 
i  they  had 
itelligence 
,d  likewise 

convened 
lito  touch- 
-  engaged, 
acter  well, 


Expedition  of  Lt,  CoL  Barry  St,  Leger,     2 1 5 

he  communicated  his  intelligence  to  them  in  the  most 
mysterious  and  imposing  manner.  Pointing  to  his  rid- 
dled garments,  he  proved  to  them  how  narrow  had  been 
his  escape  from  the  approaching  army  of  the  rebels. 
When  asked  the  number  of  the  troops  that  Arnold  was 
leading  against  them,  he  shook  his  head  mysteriously, 
and  pointed  upward  to  the  lea\fes  of  the  trees.  The 
reports  spread  rapidly  through  the  camps,  and  reaching 
the  ears  of  the  commander,  Hon-Yost^  was  sent  for  to 
the  tent  of  St.  Leger  himself.  Here  he  was  interrogated, 
and  gave  information  that  General  Arnold,  with  two 
thousand  men,  was  so  near  that  he  would  be  upon  them 
within  twenty-four  hours.  He  gave  St.  Leger  a  pitiable 
narrative  of  his  captivity,  trial,  and  condemnation  to  the 
gallows.  It  was  while  on  his  way  to  execution,  as  he 
alleged,  that,  finding  himself  not  very  closely  guarded, 
he  took  an  opportunity  to  effect  his  escape  — thinking, 
at  the  worst,  that  he  could  only  die,  and  it  would  be  as 
well  to  be  shot  as  hanged.  A  shower  of  bullets  had  in- 
deed been  let  fly  at  him,  but  fortunately  had  only 
wounded  his  clothes,  as  the  general  might  see.^  Mean- 
time the  Oneida  messenger  arrived  with  a  belt,  and  con- 
firmed to  the  Indians  all  that  Schuyler  had  said  ;  adding, 
that  the  Americans  had  no  desire  to  injure  the  Indians, 
and  were  intent  only  upon  attacking  the  British  troops 
and  rangers.  While  making  his  way  to  the  camp  of  the 
besiegers,  the  ingenious  Oneida  had  fallen  in  with  some 


'  Jobannei  fustus^  Dutch  for  John  Joost,  pronounced  Hon-Tost. 
"  Rcmemhrancefy  for  1777  —  p.  447-448. 


2i6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

two  or  three  straggling  Indians  of  his  acquaintance,  to 
whom  he  communicated  his  business,  and  whose  assist- 
ance in  furthering  the  design  he  engaged.     These  saga- 
cious fellows   dropped  into  the  Indian  camp  at  different 
points,  and  threw  out   alarming  suggestions  —  shaking 
their  heads  mysteriously,  and  insinuating  that  a  bird  had 
brought    them   intelligence    of  great    moment.^     They 
spoke  of  warriors   in   great   numbers  advancing   rapidly 
upon  them,  and  used  every  indirect  method  of  infusing 
a  panic   into  the  minds   of  the  listeners   who  gathered 
around    them.     The   Indians   presently   began    to   give 
signs  of  decamping,  and  St.  Leger  assayed  in  vain  to  re- 
assure  them.      He   convened  a   council  of  their  chiefs, 
hoping  that  by  the  influence  of  Sir  John  Johnson,  and 
Colonels  Claus  and   Butler,  he  should  be  able  to  retain 
therr,.     Other  reports,  of  a  yet  more  terrifying  tendency, 
getting  afloat,    not  only  among   the   Indians   but  in  the 
other  camp,  the   former  declared  that  ^'  the   pow-wow 
said  they  must  go  ;  "  and  a  portion  of  them  took  their 
departure  before  the  council  broke  up.     The  result  was 
a  general  and  precipitate  flight.      It  has  been  stated,  that 
in  the  commencement   of  the  retreat  the  Indians  made 
themselves  merry  at  the  expense  of  their  white  allies,  by 
raising  a  shout  that  the  Americans  were  upon  them,  and 
then    laughing  at  the    groundless  t(;rror    thus  created.^ 
According  to  the  account  derived  by  Gordon  from  the 
Rev,  Mr.  Kirkland,  an  altercation  took  place  between 
Colonel  St.  Leger  and  Sir  John  Johnson,  the  former  re- 


*  Travels  of  President  Dwight,  vol.  in,  p.  195-197. 


proach 
while 
indiffei 
of  twi 
little  e 
intercl 
to    the 
''  they  • 
and  Sii 
expedi 
were  c 
away 
themse 
the  Inc 
the  joi 
lake. 
Am  eric 
fear,  b( 
dusky  a 
There 
actuallj 
own   ai 
liked, 
strippec 
own  ba 
soldiers 

'  Britis 
astrous  lel 
i>f  August 
the  presen 


me. 

iintance,  to 
lose  assist- 
rhese  saga- 
at  different 
—  shakino; 
t  a  bird  had 
nt.^     They 
:ing   rapidly 
of  infusino; 
10  gathered 
;an    to   give 
[  vain  to  re- 
their  chiefs, 
ohnson,  and 
ble  to  retain 
ig  tendency, 
s   but  in  the 
2   pow-wow 
n  took  their 
e  result  was 
1  stated,  that 
idians  made 
ite  aUies,  by 
n  them,  and 
us  created.' 
on  from  the 
ice  between 
e  former  rc- 


Expedition  of  Lt.  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger,     217 

proaching  the  latter  with  the  defection  of  the  Indians, 
while  the  baronet  charged  his  commander  with  but  an 
indifferent  prosecution  of  the  siege.  It  was  in  the  gray 
of  twilight,  when  a  couple  of  sachems,  standing  upon  a 
little  eminence  not  far  in  the  rear,  and  overhearing  the 
interchange  of  sharp  words  between  them,  put  an  end 
to  the  unpleasant  colloquy  by  raising  the  shout  — 
"  they  are  coming  /  —  they  are  corning  !  "  Both  St.  Leger 
and  Sir  John  recommenced  their  retreat  with  all  possible 
expedition  upon  hearing  such  an  alarm.  Their  troops 
were  equally  nimble  of  foot  op  the  occasion,  throwing 
away  their  knapsacks  and  arms,  and  disencumbering 
themselves  of  every  hindrance  to  the  quick-step  ;  while 
the  Indians,  enjoying  the  panic  and  confusion,  repeated 
the  joke  by  the  way  until  they  arrived  at  the  Oneida 
lake.  It  is  believed,  however,  that  it  was  not  the 
Americans  alone  of  whom  St.  Leger  began  to  stand  in 
fear,  being  quite  as  apprehensive  of  danger  '^Vom  his  own 
dusky  allies  as  he  was  of  the  approaching  army  of  Arnold. 
Inhere  is  British  authority  for  stating  that  the  Indians 
actually  plundered  several  of  the  boats  belonging  to  their 
own  army  ;  robbing  the  officers  of  whatsoever  they 
liked.  Within  a  ^qw  miles  of  the  camp,  they  first 
stripped  off"  the  arms,  and  afterward  murdered,  with  their 
own  bayonets,  all  those  British,  German,  and  American 
soldiers    who    were    separatee     from    the    main    body.* 


'  British  Utii'versdl  Maga-zine.  Indeed,  St.  Leger's  report  of  this  dis- 
astrous retreat,  addressed  to  General  Burgoyne  from  Oswego,  on  the  27th 
of  August,  corresponds  very  closely  with  the  American  accounts  whence 
the  present   narrative  has   been    drawn.      He  states  that   the   Indians   fell 


2 1 8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


m 


Thus  were  the  threats  of  savage  vengeance  sent  by 
Colonel  St.  Leger  to  the  garrison,  in  some  degree 
wreaked  upon  his  own  army.  Hon-Yost  Schuyler  ac- 
companied the  flying  host  to  the  estuary  of  Wood 
creek,  where  he  deserted,  threading  his  way  back  to  Fort 
Schuyler  the  same  evening  —  imparting  to  Colonel 
Gansevoort  his  first  information  of  the  advance  of  Arnold.' 
From  Fort  Schuyler,  Hon-Yost  proceeded  back  to  the 
German  Flats.  On  presenting  himself  at  Fort  Dayton, 
his  brother  was  discharged,  to  the  inexpressible  joy  of 
his  mother  and  their  relatives.  But  he  proved  a  tory  in 
grain,  and  enibraced  the  first  opportunity  subsequently 
presented,  which  was  in  October,  of  running  away  to 
the  enemy,  with  several  of  his  neighbors,  and  attaching 
himself  to  the  forces  of  Sir  John  Johnson.^ 

Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  Colonel  Gansevoort's 
despatcn  announcing  St.  Leger's  retreat.  General  Arnold 
pushed  forward  a  detachment  of  nine  hundred  men,  with 
directions,  if  possible,  to  overtake  the  fugitives,  and  ren- 
der their  flight  still  more  disastrous.  On  the  day  fol- 
lowing, Arnold  himself  arrived  at  the  fort,  where  he  was 


treacherously  upon  their  friends,  and  became  more  formidable  than  the 
enemy  they  had  to  expect.  He  leaves  no  room,  however,  to  suppose  that 
there  was  any  difficulty  between  Sir  John  Johnson  and  himself —  calling 
him  *•  his  gallant  coadjutor,"  etc.,  and  commending  his  exertions  to  in- 
duce the  Indians  again  to  meet  the  enemy,  as  also  those  of  Colonels  Claus 
and  Butler. 

'  Letter  of  Colonel  Gansevoort  to  General  Arnold. 

^  After  the  close  of  the  contest,  Hon-Yost  returned  to  the  Mohawk 
valley,  and  resided  there  until  his  death  —  which  event  occurred  about 
twenty  years  since. 


yne, 

ice  sent  by 
)me  degree 
chuyler  ac- 
of  Wood 
>ack  to  Fort 
to  Colonel 
;  of  Arnold.' 
back  to  the 
3rt  Dayton, 
sible  joy  of 
ed  a  tory  in 
ubsequently 
ing  away  to 
id  attaching 

jansevoort's 
leral  Arnold 
d  men,  with 
es,  and  ren- 
he  day  fol- 
here  he  was 

dable  than  the 

to  suppose  that 

mself —  calling 

exertions  to  in- 

Colonels  Claus 


the    Mohawk 
occurred   about 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St.  Leger.     1 1 9 

• 

received  with  a  salute  of  artillery  and  the  cheers  of  the 
brave  garrison.  He,  of  course,  found  that  Gansevoort 
had  anticipated  his  design  of  harassing  the  rear  of  the 
flying  enemy,  and  had  brought  in  several  prisoners,  to- 
oether  with  large  quantities  of  spoil.*  So  great  was  their 
panic,  and  such  the  precipitancy  of  their  flight,  that  they 
left  their  tents  standing,  their  provisions,  artillery,  am- 
munition, their  entire  camp  equipage,  and  large  quantities 
of  other  articles  enhancing  the  value  of  the  booty." 

Thus  ended  the  siege  of  Fort  Schuyler,  or  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  as  the  public  have  always  preferred  calling  it.  St. 
Leger  hastened  with  his  scattered  forces  back  to  Oswego, 
and  thence  to  Montreal.  From  that  post  he  proceeded 
to  Lake  Champlain,  passing  up  the  same  to  Ticonderoga, 
for  the  purpose  of  joining  the  army  of  Burgoyne.  Find- 
ing that  the  enemy  had  evacuated  the  country  between 
the  fort  and  Lake  Ontario,  and  that  the  post  could  be 
in  no  immediate  danger  from  that  direction,  Colonel 
Gansevoort  took  the  opportunity  of  visiting  his  friends 
at  Albany,  and  at  the  seat  of  the  state  government,  then 
just  organized  at  Kingston.  His  reception  was  most 
cordial,  as  appears  not  only  from  contemporaneous  ac- 
counts, but  from  the  following  modest  address  to  his 
fellow-soldiers  of  the  garrison,  on  his  return  to  resume 
his  command  : 

"I  should  be  wanting  in  justice  to  you,  if  I  did  not 


'  Letter  of  Arnold  to  General  Gates,  Aug.  24,  1777. 

=  Among  other  articles  was  the  escritoire  of  St.  Leger  himself,  containing 
his  private  papers,  several  of  which  have  been  used  by  the  author  in  writing 
this  and  the  preceding  chapters. 


220      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

give  some  testimony  of  your  good  conduct  during  the 
time  you  have  been  in  this  garrison,  and  especially 
while  we  were  besieged  by  the  enemy.  Believe  me, 
that  I  am  impressed  with  a  proper  sense  of  the  behavior 
by  which  you  have  done  essential  service  to  your  country, 
and  acquired  immortal  honor  to  /ourselves.  Nothing 
can  equal  the  pleasure  I  have  experienced  since  my  ab- 
sence, in  hearing  and  receiving  the  public  approbation 
of  our  coi;  iry  >■  our  services,  which  is,  and  must  be, 
to  every  soii  cr,  ^ull  and  ample  compensation  for  the 
same.  Permit  me  <  "ongratulate  you  upon  the  success 
of  the  American  arms,  both  to  the  southward  and  north- 
ward. Every  day  terminates  with  victory  to  America  \ 
and  I  make  not  the  least  doubt,  but  in  this  campiiign  we 
shall  effectually  establish  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States,  and  thereby  secure  to  ourselves  the  rights  and 
liberties  for  which  we  have  so  nobly  stood  forth."  ^ 

As  an  evidence  of  the  value  placed  upon  the  services  of 
the  colonel  in  the  defence  of  Fort  Schuyler,  h.^  was  shortly 
afterward  promoted  in  the  state  line  to  the  rank  of  briga- 
dier general,  while  his  gallantry  was  farther  rewarded  by 
a  colonel's  commission  from  congress  in  the  army  of  the 
United  States.^     On  leaving  his  regiment,  its  officers 


^  Copied  by  the  author  from  the  original  manuscript.  It  was  filed  away 
among  the  colonel's  papers,  with  the  following  inscription  :  —  "A  laconic 
address  to  my  fellow  officers  and  soldiers  after  our  success  at  Fort  Stanwix." 

2  There  seems  to  have  been  something  peculiar  and  special  in  this  com- 
mission. In  a  letter  which  Colonel  Gansevoort  wrote  jointly  to  William 
Duer  and  Gouverneur  Morris,  a  copy  of  which  is  preserved  among  his  papers, 
he  observes  :       "  Congress    have   done  me   the  honor  of  appointing  me 


oyne, 

t  during  the 
id  especially 
Believe  me, 
the  behavior 
our  country, 
3.  Nothinu: 
;ince  my  ah- 

approbation 
nd  must  be, 
Ltion  for  the 
1  the  success 
i  and  north- 
;o  America  ; 
:ampiiign  we 
f  the  United 
rights  and 
)rth."  ^ 
e  services  of 

was  shortly 
nk  of  briga- 
ewarded  by 
army  of  the 

its  officers 

was  filed  away 
—  "A  laconic 
Fort  Stanwix." 

al  in  this  com- 
itly  to  William 
long  his  papers, 
appointing  me 


/  />i>7^^P^t^^ 


Expedition  of  Lt,  Col.  Barry  St.  T.eger.     12\ 

,  icsented  him  with  an  affectionate  letter  of  congratula- 
;  jn  on  his  promotion,  mingled  with  an  expression  of 
u-'ir  regret  at  the  loss  to  the  regiment  of  "  so  worthy  a 
)Htron."  To  which  the  colonel  returned  an  appropriate 
•  Iter  of  thanks.^    "^He  people  of  Tryon  county  were  of 


eft 


•■..I   r:iil""'li'!  • 


) 


■Mintl  commander  of  Foit  Schuyler.     I  should  esteem  it  as  a  favor  if  you 

uld    inform  me  whether   1  am  to  receive    any  pay  for   that  commission, 

her  than  as  colonel  of  the  third  regiment  of  New  Yorkers  ;  "and  if  not, 

•  nould   be  glad   if  you  would  eriHeavor  to  get  something  allowed   nic,  as 

.  present  pay  will  not  reimburse  my  table   liquors,  which   you  may  well 

■  nceive   to  be  something  considerable  a:   commanding  officer.     I  am  not 

•titous  to  make  money  by  my  commission  5   but  I  could  wish  not  to  sink 

*f,  as    I   am  obliged    to  do  now.     The  commission   which  congress  has 

M  me  <7.?  commandant  of  Fort  Schuyler,  subjects  me  as  much  to  the  com- 

;fid  of  my  superior  officers,  as  any  former  one.     If  that  was  the  intention 

conj^ress,   the   appointment   is    nugatory,     ii  not,   I  wish    congress  to 

s  the  commission." 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  address  referred  to  in  the  text . 
<l«norod  Sir  :  From  a  just^ense  of  that  conduct  which  has  hitherto  been 
lonfrpicuously  shown  to  advance  the  third  New  York  regiment  to  honor 
t  public  notice,  we  congratulate  you  that  those  characteristics  which  so 
•'WCOtly  point  out  the  gentleman  and  soldier,  have  by  your  personal 
sVyry  been  deservedly  noticed  by  our  bleeding  country.  Although  we 
cike  at  your  promotion,  yet  we  cannot  but  regret  the  loss  of  so  worthy  a 

ton.  That  the  prosperity  which  has  crowned  your  conduct  with  victory 
IV  still  he  continued,  is  the  sincer^wish  and  prayer  of,   honored  sir,  your 

••»  -obedient  and  very  humble  servants."  It  was  signed  by  twenty-six 
H-.ii;.      Colonel   Gansevoort   replied   as  follows: — "Gentlemen:     Your 

:ie  .iddress  on    fny  promotion    merits    my  sincere    thanks.      Gratitude,  1 

«',  >hall  never  be  wanting  in  me  to  the  third  N.  Y.  regiment,  who  have, 
■  .heir  hrmness  and  discipline,  been  the  chief  authors  of  my  promotion, 
'irrffore,  gentlemen,  please  accept  my  warmest  wishes  for  the  prosperity 

'!;<•  corps,  that  ail  their  virtuous  endeavors  in  the  defence  of  their  bleed- 
v  country  may  be  crowned  with  honor  and  success,  which  will  always  be 
'•.irncst  prayer  of,  gentlemen,  your  most  obliged,  humble  servant," 


't^^  /  ^^-t^-7p-Z^^/-^ 


'.  t'  i'..i^r:Hi*»n'Tifv 


^A 


i 
I 


Expedition  of  Lt,  CoL  Barry  St.  Le^er.     221 

presented  him  with  an  affectionate  letter  of  congratula- 
tion on  his  promotion,  mingled  with  an  expression  of 
their  regret  at  the  loss  to  the  regiment  of  "  so  worthy  a 
patron."  To  which  the  colonel  returned  an  appropriate 
letter  of  thanks.^     The  people  of  Tryon  county  were  of 


) 


colonel  commander  of  Fort  Schuyler.  I  should  esteem  it  as  a  favor  If  you 
would  inform  me  whether  I  am  to  receive  any  pay  for  that  commission, 
other  than  as  colonel  of  the  third  regiment  of  New  Yorkers ;  "and  if  not, 
I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  endeavor  to  get  something  allowed  me,  as 
my  present  pay  will  not  reimburse  my  table  liquors,  which  you  may  well 
conceive  to  be  something  considerable  as  commanding  officer.  I  am  not 
solicitous  to  make  money  by  my  commission  j  but  I  could  wish  not  to  sink 
by  it,  as  I  am  obliged  to  do  now.  The  commission  which  congress  has 
sent  me  as  commandant  of  Fort  Schuyler^  subjects  me  as  much  to  the  com- 
mand of  my  superior  officers,  as  any  former  one.  If  that  was  the  intention 
of  congress,  the  appointment  is  nugatory.  If  not,  I  wish  congress  to 
alter  the  commission." 

*  The   following    is    a  copy   of   the    address    referred    to    in    the    text . 
"  Honored  Sir  :  From  a  just  sense  of  that  conduct  which  has  hitherto  been 
so  conspicuously  shown  to  advance  the  third  New  York  regiment  to  honor 
and   public  notice,  we  congratulate  you  that  those  characteristics  which  so 
eminently  point   out   the   gentleman    and   soldier,   have   by   your   personal 
bravery  been   deservedly  noticed    by  our   bleeding   country.     Although  we 
rejoice  at  your  promotion,  yet  we  cannot  but  regret  the  loss  of  so  worthy  a 
patron.     That  the  prosperity  which  has  crowned  your  conduct  with  victory 
may  still  be  continued,  is  the  sincere  wish  and  prayer  of,   honored  sir,  your 
most  obedient  and    very  humble  servants."     It  was   signed   by  twenty-six 
officers.     Colon' 1    Gansevoort   replied   as  follows: — "Gentlemen:    Your 
polite  address  on    my  promotion    merits   my  sincere    thanks.     Gratitude,  I 
hope,  shall  never  be  wanting  in  me  to  the  third  N.  Y.  regiment,  who  have, 
by  their  firmness  and  discipline,  been  the  chief  authors  of  my  promotion. 
Therefore,  gentlemen,  please  accept  my  warmest  wishes  for  the  prosperity 
of  the  corps,  that  all  their  virtuous  endeavors  in  the  defence  of  their  bleed- 
ing country  may  be  crowned  with  honor  and  success,  which  will  always  be 
the  earnest  prayer  of,  gentlemen,  your  most  obliged,  humble  servant." 


222      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

course  rejoiced,  that  the  blow,  directed,  as  the  enemy 
supposed,  with  unerring  certaintv  against  them,  had  been 
averted.  They  had  suffered  severely  in  the  campaign  ; 
but  there  were  enough  of  her  sons  yet  left  to  swell  the 
ranks  of  General  Gates  not  a  little  ;  and  they  pressed 
ardently  to  join  his  standard,  although  circumstances  did 
not  then  require  them  long  to  remain  in  the  field. 

In  October  following,  when  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was 
ascending  the  Hudson  for  the  purpose  either  of  succoring^ 
or  of  cooperating  with,  Burgoyne,  Colonel  Gansevoort 
was  ordered  to  Albany  by  General  Gates,  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  large  force  then  concentrating  at  that  place. 
Happily,  there  was  no  occasion  to  test  his  prowess  in  his 
new  and  temporary  command. 


1:«. 


'oyne. 

IS  the  enemy 
em,  had  been 
le  campaign  ; 

to  swell  the 

they  pressed 
mstances  did 
;  field. 

Cliiuon  was 
of  succoring, 

Gansevoort 
to  take  coni- 
it  that  place, 
"owess  in  his 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX. 


No.  I. 

Anecdotes  of    Burgoyne's   Campaign  —  Personal 
Reminiscences,  etc.,  by  the  late  Chas.  Neilson. 

CJN  the  near  approach  of  Burgoyne  with  so  powerful, 
and  as  yet  successful  an  army,  with  his  horde  of  unre- 
strained savages,  who  were  continually  in  advance  and 
on  his  flanks,  prowling  about  the  country,  plundering, 
murdering,  and  scalping  all  who  refused  loyalty  to  the 
British  king  ;  the  inhabitants  on  both  sides  of  the  river, 
in  the  wildest  consternation  and  alarm,  fled  in  every  di- 
rection. The  horrors  of  war,  however  mitigated  by 
the  laws  and  usages  of  civilization,  are  at  all  times  suffi- 
ciently terrific  ;  but  when  to  these  the  fierce  cruelties 
of  a  cloud  of  savages  are  superadded,  those  only  who  are 
familiar  with  an  American  border  warfare,  can  form  an 
adequate  opinion  of  its  atrocities.  In  one  place  a  long 
cavalcade  of  ox  carts  occasionally  intermixed  with 
wagons,  filled  with  all  linds  of  furniture  hurriedly 
tlirown  in,  and  not  often  selected  by  the  owners  with 
reference  to  their  use  or  value,  on  occasions  of  such 
alarm,  were  stretched  for  some  distance  along  the  roa-l  ; 
while  in  another  might  be  setn  a  number  on  horseback, 
and   here  and   there   two   mounted  at   once   on  a  steed 

20 


226       Campaign  of  General  John  Bw^guyr/e. 


panting  :uider  the  weight  of  a  dou.>ie  load,  vlosely  {o]~ 
].>wed  by  a  crowd  of  pedestrian.s,  and  some  .,eihaj)s 
weeping  mothers,  with  a  child  o;  two  screaming  m  t'.ieir 
arms  or  on  their  backs,  trudging  along  with  fearful  and 
hurried  step.  These  found  great  difficulty  in  keeping; 
up  with  the  rapid  flight  of  their  mounted  friends.  Here 
and  there  would  be  seen  some  humane  person  assist- 
ing the  more  unfortunate,  by  relieving  them  of  their 
burdens  with  which  they  were  encumbered  ;  but  gene- 
rally a  principle  of  selfishness  prevented  much  inter- 
change of  friendly  offices  —  every  one  for  himself  was 
the  common  cry. 

To  those  who  now  sit  quietly  under  their  own  shady 
bowers,  or  by  the  fireside  long  endeared  by  tranquility 
and  happiness,  it  is  left  to  imagine,  with  what  feelings 
they  hastened  to  abandon  their  homes  and  their  all,  as  ii 
were,  and  fly  for  safety,  they  knew  not  whither.  The 
men  of  this  generation  can  never  know  what  were  the 
sorrows  of  those  fathers  that  saw  their  children  exposed 
to  dangers  and  death,  and  wii***  the  agonies  of  those 
kind  mothers,  of  whom  my  o\v*i  respected  mother  was 
one,  who  pressed  their  offspring  to  their  bosom  in  the 
constant  apprehension  of  seeing  them  torn  from  their  em- 
braces, to  become  the  victims  of  savage  cruelty,  and  it 
is  impossible  with  sufficient  force  to  describe  the  appall- 
ing   distress    that    many     families    experienced    at    that 

moment  of  peril  and  alarm. 

41  iHn  iin  ^ 

Often,  when  a  boy,  have  I  sat  long  and  silent,  in  the 
iami!''  grou'),  by  the   side  of  my  much   respected,  now 


I 


closely  fo'- 
ne  peihaj)s 
ling  in  t'.ieir 
fearful  and 
in  keepinj^ 
nds.  Here 
rson  assist- 
im  of  their 
but  gene- 
luch  inter- 
limself  was 

own  shady 

tranquility 

lat  feelings 

;ir  all,  as  ii 

her.  '  The 

t  were   the 

^n  exposed 

s   of  those 

nother  was 

om  in  the 

their  em- 

slty,  and  it 

the  appall - 

d    at    that 


ent,  in  the 
ctcd,  now 


("Appendix. 


nn 


27 


n 


sainted  mother,  listening  to  her  tales  of  alarm,  suffering 
and  distress,  that  pcrviidcd  this  part  of  the  country,  in 
those  troublous  times  ;  and  the  dangers  to  which 
she  herself  had  frequently  been  exposed.  And  often 
while  reciting  the  tragic  fate  of  her  friend  and  acquaint- 
ance. Miss  Jane  IVI'Crea,  and  other  equally  savage 
cruelties,  have  I  seen  the  big  tear  roll  from  her  glisten- 
ing eye  and  trickle  down  her  cheek,  glowing  with 
the  emotions  of  her  heart.  And  even  to  this  day,  when 
I  reflect  on  those  scen^^s  of  savage  cruelty,  and  with 
what  emotion  they  were  then  recited,  a  sympathetic 
tear  will  insensibly  steal  from  my  eye,  and  I  am  in- 
voluntarily led  to  exclaim  O  !  my  mother  !  my  much 
loved  mother  !  could  I  have  been  present  to  have  wit- 
nessed those  sf.enes  of  danger  and  alarm  to  which  thou 
hast  been  exposed,  and  from  which  thou  barely  escaped 
with  thy  life,  with  one  arm  would  I  have  encircled  that 
brow,  around  which  the  Indian's  tomahawk  thrice  was 
brandished,  preparatory  to  the  fatal  stroke  ;  and  with  the 
other  would  I  have  clashed  to  the  earth,  that  ferocious 
savage,  wliose  scalping- knife,  reeking  with  the  blood  of 
thy  friends,  was  already  drawn  to  execute  on  hee  its 
threatened  deed  !  But  a  mightier  arm  was  interposed 
for  thy  protection.  lie  in  whom  thou  trusted  was 
there  —  for  at  the  critical  moment,  when  there  seemed 
no  possible  escape,  a  file  of  men  approached,  as  if  spe- 
cially and  providentially  directed  —  the  sharp  crack  of 
rifles  was  heard  in  the  distance  —  the  fatal  balls  were 
sped  —  two  cruel  savages  fell  dead  at  thy  feet,  and  thou 
alone,  the  joy  of  thy  friends,  wast  saved,  to  i  ,'late  the 
sad  story  of  thy  three  murdered  companions  ! 


22  8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

It  may  be  supposed,  from  my  relation  of  so  many  of 
tlie  numerous  scenes,  and  some  of  them  heart-rending, 
through  which  my  own  friends  have  passed,  that  they 
were  the  only  persons  who  suffered  in  those  trying  times. 
My  intention  is  not  to  be  so  understood,  nor  do  I  suppose 
that  the  many  trials  through  which  they  passed,  were 
greater  than  those  of  many  others  ;  yet  the  relation  of 
them,  by  being  often  repeated,  have  become  more 
familiar,  and  consequently  better  enables  me  to  give  a 
correct  account  of  them. 

The  subsequent  tragic  scene,  though  I  do  not  now  re- 
collect all  the  particulars,  I  will  recount  in  substance,  as 
follows  : 

My  step-grandfather,  had  been  very  active  among  the 
Indians  and  tories,  and  understood  their  manner  of  war- 
fare so  well  thai  he  was  often  selected  to  head  volunteer 
parties,  who  went  in  pursuit  of  them,  in  their  marauding 
expeditions,  and  was  generally  very  successful ;  for  which 
they  owed  him  a  grudge,  and  tried  many  ways  to  decoy 
and  take  him  ;  but  he  had  always  eluded  them. 

It  happened  on  a  time  when  it  was  supposed  there 
were  no  Indians  ii.  the  vicinity,  and  the  inhabitants  all 
felt  secure,  that  my  father  was  gone  from  home  on  busi- 
ness With  the  committee  of  safety,  leaving  my  grand- 
father, g<and)r.<».)ther,  and  mother,  at  home  alone  —  they 
all  occupv'rg  the  same  house  at  the  lime.  Soon  after 
dark,  a  little  dog,  which  they  had,  and  which  was  then 
in  the  houS'^,  for  some  moments  seemed  to  express  con- 
siderable uneasiness,  and  at  last  ran  to  the  door,  and  with 
a   kind    of   howl,   or    unusual   expression,    imme 


turne 

mygi 

him  t 

rifle, 

overh 

had  n 

of  thi 

staggc 

fell   ii 

ready 

diatel) 


jdiately 


yne. 

so  many  of 
art-rendincr, 
1,  that  they 
rying  times. 
\o  I  suppose 
)assed,  were 
2  relation  of 
come  more 
le  to  give  a 

not  now  re- 
ubstance,  as 

I  amone  the 
mer  of  war- 
id  volunteer 
marauding 
;   for  which 
ys  to  decoy 
m. 

3osed  there 
abitants  all 
me  on  busi- 
my  grand- 
one  —  they 
Soon  after 
h  was  then 
xpress  con- 
3r,  and  with 
mmediately 


Appendix. 


229 


turned  and  looked  up,  with  much  seeming  concern,  to 
my  grandfather,  whose  keen  perception  in  a  moment  led 
him  to  exclaim,  "  Indians  !"  He  immediately  caught  his 
rifle,  which  lay  horizontally  on  hooks  attached  tc  a  beam 
overhead,  and  opening  the  door  stepped  out.  But  he 
had  no  sooner  passed  the  threshold,  than  the  sharp  crack 
of  three  rifles  were  heard  in  rapid  succession,  and  he 
staggered  back,  exclaiming,  "  run  for  your  lives  !"  and 
fell  into  the  room.  My  mother  and  grandmother,  al- 
ready horror-stricken,  gave  a  sudden  scream  and  imme- 
diately sprang  out  of  an  opposite  window,  and  ran  to  a 
neighboring  house,  about  eighty  rods  distant,  to  give  the 
alarm.  It  so  happened  that  two  distant  neighbors,  who 
had  been  out  that  day  on  a  hunting  excursion,  called  at 
the  same  house  some  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  before,  and 
hearing  the  firing,  were,  in  company  with  the  occupant, 
listening  to  ascertain  its  direction,  if  repeated.  At  the 
same  time  a  horse  was  heard  at  a  distance  rapidly  ap- 
proaching, which  soon  proved  to  be  my  father's  on  which, 
having  heard  the  firing,  and  suspecting  mischief,  he  was 
riding  at  the  top  of  his  speed,  and  arrived  at  the  moment 
the  alarm  was  given.  Springing  from  his  horse,  and 
being  furnished  with  a  rifle,  the  four  men  immediately 
hurried  on,  regardless  of  any  danger  they  might  be  rush- 
ing into.  On  approaching  the  house,  it  being  then  quite 
dark,  they  caught  the  glimpse  of  persons  running  in  the 
direction  of  a  piece  of  woods  near  by  ;  upon  whom  they, 
ill  their  hurry,  fired  at  random. 

Having  pursued  on  to  the  skirt  of  the  wood,  and  see- 
ing no  more  of  the  enemy,  they  retained  to  the  house, 


230      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

where  a  mournful  spectacle  presented  itself.  There  lay 
the  mangled  and  lifeless  corpse  of  my  grandfather, 
drenched  in  his  own  blood  ;  and  tomahawked  and 
scalped  ;  and  on  examination  it  was  found  that  three 
balls  had  passed  through  his  body.  In  searching,  the 
next  morning,  at  the  place  where  the  Indians,  for  such 
were  they  supposed  to  be,  were  fired  upon,  they  found 
blood  in  several  places  leading  into  the  woods,  evincing 
that  some  one  of  them,  at  least,  had  been  wounded.  It 
was  supposed  that  the  hostile  party  consisted  of  four 
tories,  .''nd  five  Indians,  as  that  number  was  seen  next 
day,  near  Fort  Edward,  traveling  north  with  a  hurried 
step  ;  one  of  which  limped  considerably  and  lagged 
behind. 

A  short  time  previous  to  the  foregoing  tragedy,  my 
grandfather,  at  the  head  of  fifty  men,  had  a  desperate 
encounter  with  about  eighty  Indians  and  tories  at  Sab- 
bathday  point,^  in  which  the  enemy  were  defeated,  with 
the  lo>3  of  forty  killed  and  v/ounded.  It  was  supposed 
that,  in  consequence  of  so  signal  a  defeat,  which  was 
effected  by  means  of  an  ambuscade,  the  Indians  and  tories 
were  determined,  at  all  hazards,  to  destroy  the  man,  who 
in  this,  as  in  many  other  instances^  had  been  so  great  a 


^Sabbathday  point  is  a  low  neck  of  land  stretching  into  Lake  George 
from  the  western  shore,  three  miles  from  the  little  village  of  Hague.  On 
Sabbathday  point,  Lord  Amherst  with  liis  army  stopped  for  refreshment 
upon  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath,  and  gave  this  beautiful  spot  the  name 
by  which  it  is  now  known.  It  is  a  charming  spot,  and  susceptible  of  great 
embelishment.  In  the  summer  of  1756,  a  small  body  of  Provincials  who 
had  retreated  to  this  point,  defeated  a  superior  force  of  French  and  Indians, 
who  had  attacked  them  in  gun-boats. 


yne. 

There  lay 
grandfather, 
awked    and 

that  three 
rching,  the 
IS,  for  such 
they  fouiul 
Is,  evincing 
lunded.  It 
ed  of  four 
;  seen  next 
b  a  hurried 
and    lagged 

ragedy,  my 

1  desperate 
ies  at  Sab- 
sated,  with 
s  supposed 
which  was 
and  tories 
man,  who 
so  great  a 

Lake  George 
Hague.  On 
r  refreshment 
pot  the  name 
ptible  of  great 
ovincials  who 
>  ana  Indians, 


Appendk 


231 


scourge  to  them,  and   which   they  iinally  accomplished, 
in  the  manner  already  related. 

At  the  time  the  American  army  under  General  Schuy- 
ler was  retreating  down  the  Hudson  from  P'ort  Eldward, 
small  parties  of  tories  and  Indians  kept  pace  with  them 
along  the  opposite  bank,  and  when  an  opportunity  pre- 
sented, where  the  road  was  on  or  near  the  margin  of 
that  stream,  along  which  the  army  passed,  they  would 
secrete  themselves  near  the  bank  and  tire  across  at  the 
officers  and  men  ;  and  in  this  manner  they  pursued  them 
as  far  down  as  Stillwater,  wounding  many  on  the  way. 
When  the  army  was  thus  passing  near  E.  Vandenburgh's, 
and  opposite  a  shoal  place  in  the  river,  an  Indian  waded 
out  some  distance  and  fired,  hitting  a  soldier  and  badly 
wounding  him  in  the  hand.  Another  soldier,  by  the 
name  of  Dirk  Van  Vechten,  who  was  marching  in  the 
same  platoon,  was  so  vexed  at  it  that  he  was  determined 
lo  avenge  the  injury.  Accordingly  he  kept  a  sharp  look 
out,  and  watching  his  opportunity,  as  soon  as  he  saw  an 
Indian  approach  the  river,  he  crept  along  on  the  ground, 
and  laid  himself  down  on  the  margin  of  the  bank,  behind 
some  open  bushes  ;  and  as  an  Indian  arrived  at  a  spot 
in  the  river,  from  which  he  raised  his  piece  to  fire.  Van 
Vechten  let  drive  at  him,  when  the  Indian  bounded, 
with  a  horrid  screech,  three  feet  out  of  water,  and  fell, 
and  he  saw  no  more  of  him.  After  that,  the  Indians 
were  very  careful  how  and  where  they  showed  themselves. 

*  SK  if:  * 

Several  anecdotes  in  connection  with  the  battle  of 
Bennington  have  been  recorded,  of  which  the  following 
is  one. 


232      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Among  the  reinforcements  from  Berkshire  county 
came  a  clergyman,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  of  Pittsficld, 
with  a  portion  of  his  flock,  resolved  to  make  bare  tlic 
arm  ot  flesh  against  the  enemies  of  the  country.  Before 
daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  i6th,  he  addressed  the 
commander  as  follows:  "We  the  people  of  Berkshire 
have  been  frequently  called  upon  to  fight,  but  have 
never  been  led  against  the  enemy.  We  have  now  re- 
solved, if  you  will  not  let  us  light,  never  to  turn  out 
again."  General  Stark  asked  him  if  he  wished  to  march 
then,  when  it  was  dark  and  rainy.  "  No,"  was  the 
answer.  "  Then,"  continued  Stark,  "  if  the  Lord  should 
once  more  give  us  sunshine,  and  1  do  not  give  you 
fighting  enough,  1  will  never  ask  you  to  come  again." 
The  weather  cleared  up  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and 
the  men  of  Berkshire  followed  their  spiritual  guide  into 
action. 

Another  —  On  General  Stark's  approach  to  the  Hes- 
sian camp,  and  pointing  out  the  enemy  to  his  soldiers, 
he  declared  to  them  that  "  he  would  gain  the  victory 
over  them  in  the  approaching  battle,  or  Molly  Stark 
should  be  a  widow  that  nij^ht." 

Some  two  or  three  days  previous  to  the  time  that 
Colonel  Baum  was  detached  to  Bennington,  a  party  of 
Indians  and  torics  were  sent  on  for  the  purpose  of 
scouring  the  country  between  that  place  and  Fort  Ed- 
ward. On  their  way  they  captured  and  took  with  them 
Mrs.  Hannah  Coon  (now  Mrs.  Grandy),  wite  of  Mr. 
Elisha  Coon,  a  captain  in  the  American  militia,  and 
who  was  then  absent  on  duty.     Mrs.   Coon  was  then 


ne, 

ire   county 

Pittsficld, 

e  bare  tlic 

I.      Before 

Jrcssed  the 

Berkshire 

but    have 

e   now  re- 

)  turn  out 

1  to  march 

'    was    the 

/ord  should 

give    you 

ne  again." 

e  day,  and 

guide  into 

3  the  Hes- 

5  soldiers, 
le  victory 
oily  Stark 

time  that 
a  party  of 
urpose  of 
Fort  Ed- 
ivith  them 
te  of  Mr. 
ilitia,  and 
was  then 


Appendix, 


^33 


in  a  very  delicate  situation,  and   such  as  rccjuiicd   mo- 
mentary attention  ;   but   notwithstanding,   she  was  com- 
pelled, as   incapacitated   as  she    was,   to  travel   on    foot 
with  these    ferocious    savages    and   more    brutal   toiics. 
The  second  day  after  her  capture  her  accouchement  took 
place,  where  they   halted  for  the  night.      In  the   morn- 
ing after  her  confinement,  she,  with   two  other  women 
who  had  also   been   captured,  was   again    compelled    to 
walk  and  carry  her  child,  to  the  place  where  the   troops 
under  Colonel  Baum  encamped,  previous  to  the  action 
with  the  Americans  under  General   Stark.      Before  the 
battle,  she  says,  the  troops  were  in  high  spirits,  and  boasted 
much  of  their  ability   to   subdue  the  "rebel   Yankees," 
as  thev  called  the  Americans,  and   vainlv  endeavored  to 
persuade  a  number,  whom  they  had  taken   prisoners  on 
the  way,  to  join  in  the  cause  of  the   British  king.     But 
during  the  action,  and  while  the  soldiers  were  repeatedly 
bringing  the   wounded  into   camp,  she  would  laugh  at, 
and  ridicule  them.     Soon  after  the  action  commenced, 
she  saw  the  Indians,  she  says,   flying  in  all  directions, 
and  skulking  behind  trees,  rocks,  and  other  places  of 
concealment.     On  the  retreat  of  the  Indians,  after  the 
defeat    of   Colonel    Baum,    she  was  taken   with  them, 
and  soon  met  the   reinforcments  under  Colonel   Brey- 
mann ;    when    she    returned    to    camp    and     remained 
during  the   second   battle,  and    was  again  compelled  to 
travel  on  foot  with  them  on  their  retreat  to  the  place 
where  they  encamped  during  the  night.      Here,  owing 
to  her  recent  confinement  and  constant  fatigue,  she  was 
taken  sick,  and  whether  it  was  on  that  account,  or  on 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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I.I 


1.25 


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■^  Bi   12.2 
12.0 

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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WHSTH.N.Y.  I49M) 

(716)  •73-4903 


V 


234      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


•II 


account  of  the  hurry  and  bustle  the  troops  were  in  at  the 
time,  being  in  momentary  expectation  of  pursuit  by  the 
Americans,  she  does  not  know,  but  she  was  left  without 
a  guard,  and  managed  to  conceal  herself  and  child  until 
they  had  departed,  when  she  made  her  rscape. 

During  those  days  of  extreme  suffering,  distress,  and 
alarm  that  she  experienced,  while  in  her  delicate  state  of 
health,  she  was  often  threatened  with  instant  death,  if 
she  refused  to  proceed  or  complained  of  inability  ;  and 
once,  in  particular,  an  Indian  chief  approached  her  with 
much  ferocity,  at  a  time  when  she  was  tantalizing  them 
on  their  defeat,  and  actually  clenched  up  her  child, 
which  was  lying  on  her  lap,  and  drew  his  scalping  knife 
around  its  head,  and  brandished  his  tomahawk  over  her,  in 
token  of  what  he  would  do  if  she  did  not  desist  ;  and  she 
thinks  would  have  carried  his  threats  into  execution,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  interference  of  a  humane  officer. 
After  her  escape,  and  having  undergone  all  the  horrors 
of  a  cruel  death,  she  with  much  difficulty  returned  home, 
where  she  remained  alone  (excepting  her  infant  child), 
and  in  the  midst  of  the  wilderness,  about  three  weeks, 
with  nothing  to  subsist  upon  but  a  little  salt  pork, 
which  had  been  concealed,  and  some  old  or  seed  cucum- 
bers, that  were  left  undisturbed  in  the  garden,  all  of 
their  other  provisions  and  even  her  cooking  and  other 
furniture  having  been  taken  away  by  the  Indians  and 
tories.  The  cucumbers  she  scraped  the  seeds  from 
and  peeled,  then  roasted  them  in  the  embers,  and 
though  she  was  fearful  they  might  kill  her,  yet,  she 
says,  she  thought  she  might  as  well  die  by  eating  them 


yne, 

:rc  in  at  the 
rsuit  by  tlic 
left  without 
1  child  until 

^  * 

istress,  and 

rate  state  of 

mt  death,  if 

ibility  ;  iind 

led  her  with 

ilizing  them 

her   child, 

alping  knife 

over  her,  in 

St  ;  and  she 

:cution,  had 

ne   officer. 

le  horrors 

ned  home, 

fant  child), 

ree  weeks, 

salt   pork, 

eed  cucum- 

den,  all  of 

and  other 

ndians  and 

eeds    from 

bers,   and 

r,  yet,  she 

ting  them 


Appendix, 


23  5 


as  to  starve  to  death  —  as  the   salt  pork    she  could   not 
cat  alone. 

At  the  expiration  of  three  weeks  she  was  again  taken 
by  the  Indians  and  tories,  who,  she  thinks,  vented 
their  malice  particularly  upon  her,  on  account  of  her 
husband  having  taken  sides  with  the  Americans,  as  they 
would  often  speak  of  it.  At  this  time  she  was  compelled 
to  cross  the  river  with  them,  in  advance  of  the  British 
army,  and  was  taken  as  far  as  Stillwater,  but  managed 
to  make  her  escape  during  the  action  of  the  19th  of 
September,  having  suffered  much  during  the  time. 

But  little  do  the  junior  matrons  of  these  times  of 
luxury  and  ease,  know  or  feel  of  the  suffering  and  depri- 
vations of  those  who  inhabited  this  part  of  the  country 
in  those  days  of  peril  and  alarm  ;  and  there  are  but  few, 
who  sufficiently  realize  the  price  at  which  the  dear 
bought  liberties  of  our  now  happy  country  were  pur- 
chased. 

Mrs.  Coon  (Grandy),  now  (1844)  lives  on  the  same 
farm  that  her  husband  owned  and  occupied  when  she 
was  taken  prisoner  —  about  two  miles  from  Union 
Village,  in  Washington  county,  New  York.  She  is, 
at  the  time  of  writing  this  narrative,  ninety-three  years 
of  age,  quite  active,  and  her  step  uncommonly  firm  for 
a  person  of  her  advanced  age  ;  and  she  bids  fair  to  live 
yet  a  number  of  years.  On  the  recital  of  her  sufferings., 
a  glow  of  resentment  suffused  her  matronly  cheek,  and 
the  fire  of  indignation  would  sparkle  in  her  keen  black 
eye  ;  but  in  a  moment  she  sprang  upon  her  feet,  with 
the  seeming  activity  of  youth,  and  broke  out  in  raptures 


236        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


of  joy,  as  though  no  sacrifice  for  her  country  had  been 
too  great,  and  exclaimed  with  much  energy  of  feeling  : 
'*  But  they  got  well  paid  for  it !  the  first  army,"  as  she 
called  it,  "  were  most  all  taken  prisoners,  and  the  second 
got  defeated  and  had  to  run  for  their  lives;  "  and  "  Oh," 
she  said,  "  how  I  rejoiced  to  see  it,  though  I  knew  my 
own  suff^erings  would  be  increased."  And  who  is  there 
so  lost  to  his  country's  weal  as  not  to  exclaim  with  the 
patriot  poet  ? 

"  Amor  (patric-e)  vincit  omnia,  et  nos  cedamus  amori." 

The  following  incident  took  place  wiHile  Colonel 
Warner  had  the  command  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Ed- 
ward : 

While  the  Americans  held  undisputed  possession  of 
the  posts  at  the  north,  it  was  a  very  common  thing  for 
the  different  commanders  to  exchange  visits.  Colonel 
Warner  occasionally  visited  the  commander  at  Fort 
George.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  he  was  returning 
with  two  officers,  all  of  them  on  horseback.  As  they 
were  passing  the  Bloody  pond,  where  some  hostile  In- 
dians had  hid  themselves  behind  an  old  tree,  they  re- 
ceived a  volley  of  musketry  from  their  concealed 
enemies.  The  two  officers  fell  lifeless  to  the  ground, 
and  Colonel  Warner  was  wounded,  as  was  also  the 
horse  he  rode.  He  put  spurs  to  the  bleeding  animal 
and  endeavored  to  escape.  One  of  the  officer's  horses 
accompanied  him,  and  the  Indians  pursued.  As  he 
rode  on,  his  own  occasionally  seemed  ready  to  fall  under 
him,  and  at  other  times  would  revive  and  appear  to  re- 


yne. 

f  had  been 
of  feeling  : 
ly,"  as  she 
the  second 
ind ''  Oh," 
I  knew  my 
/ho  is  there 
im  with  the 

lori." 

le    Colonel 
at  Fort  Ed- 

ossession  of 
on  thing  for 
s.     Colonel 
er   at    Fort 
is  returning 
As  they 
hostile  In- 
ee,  they  re- 
concealed 
the  ground, 
as    also  the 
ding  animal 
cer's  horses 
d.       As    he 
o  fall  under 
pear  to  re- 


Appendix. 


m 


new  his  strength.     The  other  horse  kept  up  with  them, 
alternately    increasing   and   relaxing    his   speed,  to  keep 


pac 


e  wi 


th   h 


IS   woun 


ded 


companion. 


Th 


e    CO 


lonel 


m 


vain  tried  to  seize  the  bridle  which  hung  over  his  neck, 
an  expedient  which  promised  to  save  him  if  his  own 
steed  should  fail.  In  this  manner,  and  with  all  the 
horrid  anticipation  of  a  cruel  death  before  him,  he 
managed  lo  outstrip  his  pursuers  until  he  reached  Glen's 
Falls.  There,  as  the  uninjured  horse  came  along  side, 
he  made  another  attempt  to  seize  his  bridle,  and  suc- 
ceeded. He  instantly  dismounted,  unslung  his  own 
saddle,  threw  it  over  the  fence,  mounted  the  other  horse 
and  rode  off  at  full  speed.  He  saw  no  more  of  his  pur- 
suers from  this  moment,  but  reached  Fort  Edward  in 
safety.  Not  however,  without  being  really  overcome 
by  his  exertion,  fatigue,  and  loss  of  blood.  What  was 
also  singular,  was  the  arrival  of  his  wounded  horse, 
which  lived  to  do  good  service  in  the  field. 

•p  •!*  ^K  T^ 

During  the  time  (nearly  a  month  ^)  that  Burgoyne, 
with  his  army,  lay  at  and  near  the  Batten  kil,  an  inci- 
dent took  place,  which  I  think  worthy  of  notice,  as 
showing  the  spirit  and  ardor  of  the  whigs  in  those 
troublous  times,  and  their  determination  to  cut  off  all 
supplies  from  the  invading  army. 

The  tories,  or  cow  boys  as  they  were  then  called, 
were  in  the  constant  habit  of  plundering  the  inhabitants 


•  An  error,  unless  Fort  Miller,  ten  miles  above,  is  considered  as  a  por- 
tion of  the  encampment  at  the  Batten   kil. —  W,   L.  Stone. 

21 


22  8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


on  both  sides  of  the  river,  of  their  grain,  poultry,  and 
othe.  kinds  of  eatables,  and  driving  off  their  cattle,  hogs, 
and  sheep,  whenever  they  could  find  them,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supplying  the  British  army  with  provisions,  tor 
which  no  doubt  they  were  well  paid.  Though  often 
pursued,  and  sometimes  roughly  handle  1  by  the  whigs, 
they  still  persisted.  At  one  time  in  particular,  they  had 
collected  and  secreted  in  a  deep  dark  ravine,  branching 
off  from  Mill  creek,  a  large  quantity  of  provisions,  such 
as  beef,  pork,  flour,  and  other  articles  of  consumption, 
with  the  intention  of  transporting  them,  at  some  favor- 
able opportunity,  to  the  British  camp.  By  accident  it 
was  found  out,  and  the  place  of  concealment  discovered  ; 
upon  which  my  father,  at  the  head  of  about  twenty 
resolute  fellows,  which  he  had  collected  together  and 
well  armed,  went  on  irf  the  night,  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  or  destroying  their  plunder.  On  their  arrival 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  depot,  one  of  them  crept 
slily  along,  when  he  discovered  the  tories,  about  thirty 
in  number  ;  five  of  whom  appeared  to  be  armed  and 
keeping  guard,  while  the  others  were  in  the  act  of 
loading  four  wagons  which  stood  a  short  distance  from 
the  depot,  and  which  they  had  brought  for  the  purpose 
of  conveying  away  their  stores.  The  assailing  party 
then  held  a  secret  council  of  war,  to  consult  whether, 
the  enemy  being  so  much  superior  in  number,  it  was 
advisable  to  proceed  ;  whereupon  it  was  unanimously 
agreed  that  they  should  go  ahead,  and  made  their 
arrangements  accordingly. 

The  J)lace  where  the  stores  were  concealed,  was  be- 


oyne. 


Appendix. 


239 


poultry,  and 
r  cattle,  hogs, 
,  for  the  pur- 
»ro visions,  tor 
rhough  often 
ly  the  whigs, 
jlar,  they  had 
ne,  branching 
^visions,  such 
consumption, 
t  some  favor- 
By  accident  it 
nt  discovered  ; 

about  twenty 

together  and 
he  purpose  of 
1  their  arrival 
of  them  crept 
,  about  thirty 
36  armed  and 
n   the    act   of 

distance  from 
»r  the  purpose 
issailing  party 
nsult  whether, 

umber,  it  was 
unanimously 

d    made   their 

ealed,  was  be- 


hind a  point  projecting  from  the  opposite  side,  around 
which  the  ravine  curved,  forming  the  bank  on  the  side 
of  the  assailants  into  a  semicircle,  around  which,  it  was 
preconcerted,  they  should  extend  themselves  in  couples, 
and  silently  approach  the  bank  or  brow  of  the  hill,  and 
at  the  word  of  command,  "  Come  on^  boys  /"  they  were 
all  to  give  a  whoop,  and  rush  on,  though  not  to  fire  un- 
less the  tories  made  resistance  -,  but  in  that  case,  to 
fight  their  way  through  in  the  best  way  they  could.  All 
preliminaries  being  arranged,  they  formed  themselves  in 
order  of  battle,  and  silently  moved  on  to  the  brow  of 
the  hill  forming  the  ravine  ;  and  when  my  father,  who 
was  at  the  head,  and  as  previously  agreed,  gave  the 
word,  "Come  on  boys!"  they  gave  such  horrid,  con- 
tinued, and  frightful  yells,  and  at  the  same  time  rushing 
down  the  hill  like  a  mighty  torrent,  that  by  the  time 
they  had  got  to  the  bottom  of  the  ravine,  the  enemy  had 
all  decamped,  leaving  their  arms  and  baggage  a  prey  to 
the  victors.  The  assailants  not  yet  satisfied,  pursued  on 
a  considerable  distance,  shouting,  whooping,  and  making 
the  woods  ring  with  their  horrid  yells,  as  though  a  thou- 
sand Indians  had  been  let  loose  upon  the  frightened  fugi- 
tives. Having  found  no  enemy  in  their  pursuit,  the 
as*-iilants  returned  to  the  deserted  camp,  to  examine 
their  booty  ;  but  as  the  tories  had  not  yet  brought,  or  had 
concealed  their  horses,  and  having  no  means  of  bringing 
ofF  the  wagons,  they  went  to  work  and  broke  them  in 
pieces,  as  much  as  they  could.  Having  stove  in  the 
barrels,  and  scattered  and  otherwise  destroyed  the  flour 
and  other   provisions,   they  all    returned   home  safe  and 


■I 


i 


240      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

sound,  and  much  to  the  joy  and  gratification  of  their 
families  and  friends  ;  bringing  with  them  twenty-five 
stand  of  arn^s,  with  which  Burgoyne  had  furnished  the 
tories,  and  which  the  victors  considered  lawful  prize. 

Thus  ended  this  hazardous  and  praiseworthy  exploit,  . 
and  for  which  my  father  wa^  honored  with  the  title  of 
captain^  a  title,  as  is  now  well  known  to  many,  by  which 
for  a  number  of  years,  he  was  addressed,  until  he  was 
appointed  a  civil  magistrate,  when  the  title  was  exchanged 
for  esquire. 

About  the  same  time,  small  parties  of  Indians  were 
seen  prowling  about  the  vicinity,  of  whom  my  father  and 
a  few  resolute  fellows  had  been  in  pursuit.  On  their 
return,  he  had  occasion,  while  the  others  passed  on,  to 
call  at  a  Mr.  Ezekiel  Ensign's,  who  afterwards,  and  for 
a  number  of  years,  kept  a  public  house  a  little  north  of  I 
Wilbur's  basin.  While  sitting  there  about  nine  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  in  conversation  with  Mr.  Ensign,  a  fero- 
cious looking  giant-like  Indian,  armed  and  accoutred  in 
the  usual  costume  of  an  aboriginal  warrior,  ushered  him 
self  into  the  room,  and  after  eyeing  them  sharply  for  a 
moment,  he  with  one  hand  drew  from  his  belt  a  huge 
tomahawk,  which  he  flourished  about  his  head  in  true 
Indian  style,  and  with  the  other  a  long  scalping-knife, 
whose  glittering  steel  became  more  brilliant  in  the  daz- 
zling glare  of  a  bright  torch-light,  and  with  which  he 
exhibited,  in  pantomime,  his  dextrous  manner  of  taking 
scalps.  At  the  same  time,  with  eyes  flashing  fire,  and 
turning  alternately  from  one  to  the  other,  as  they  sat  in 
opposite  directions,  he  accompanied    his  daring  acts  in 


ation  of  their 
n    twenty-five 
furnished  the 
wful  prize, 
worthy  exploit,   . 
th   the  title  of 
any,  by  which 
until    he  was 
was  exchanged 

Indians  were 
my  father  and 
jit.      On   their 
;  passed  on,  to 
•wards,  and  for 
little  north  of 
t  nine  o'clock 
|Ensign,  a  fero- 
d  accoutred  in 
ushered  him 
sharply  for  a 
is  belt   a  huge 
s  head   in  true 
|scal  ping-knife, 
nt  in  the  daz- 
ith  which   he 
nner  of  taking 
jshing  fire,  and 
as  they  sat  in 
daring  acts  in 


Appendix. 


241 


broken  English,  with  threats  of  instant  death,  if  they 
attempted  to  move  or  speak.  Ensign  being  a  cripple  in 
one  arm,  having  at  some  former  time  accidentally  re- 
ceived a  charge  of  shot  through  his  shoulder,  and  feeling 
his  own  weakness,  should  resistance  become  necessary, 
and  being  in  momentary  expectation  of  receiving  the 
fatal  blow,  became  fixed  and  immovable  in  his  chair, 
with  a  countenance  of  ashy  paleness, 

Obstupuit,  steteruntque  coni.t,  t-t  vox  faucibus  h.'esit. 

On  the  other  hand,  my  father,  being  a  man  of  great 
muscular  strength,  and  of  uncommon  agilir^',  and  having 
had  many  encounters  with  the  Indians,  for  which  they 
owed  him  a  grudge,  prepared  himself,  with  much  presence 
of  mind,  for  a  desperate  event.  To  this  eft'ect,  while 
the  Indian,  in  his  threatening  manner,  would  momentarily 
direct  his  attention  to  Ensign,  he  would  imperceptibly 
and  by  degrees,  turn  himself  in  his  chair,  and  in  this 
manner  would  from  time  to  time,  keep  silently  moving 
by  little  and  little,  until  he  succeeded  in  placing  himself 
in  a  position  in  which  he  could  grasp  with  both  hands, 
the  back  posts  of  his  chair.  Thus  situated,  and  knowing 
the  lives  of  both  of  them  depended  altogether  on  his  own 
exertions,  he  watched  his  opportunity,  and  the  moment 
the  Indian  turned  his  eye  from  him,  he  grasped  the  chair, 
and  with  almost  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  sprang  upon 
his  feet,  whirled  the  chair  over  his  head,  and  aimed  at 
him  a  desperate  blow  :  but  the  chair  taking  the  ceiling 
above,  and  the  Indian  at  the  same  time,  and  almost  as 
quick  as  thoi^ght,  dodging  the  blow,  he  missed  his  aim. 
The  Indian,  having  recovered  his  position,  immediately 


^ 


242      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


sprang  with  a  hideous  yell,  and  with  his  tomahawk  up- 
lifted, ready  to  strike  the  fatal  blow  ;  but  before  he  could 
effect  his  direful  purpose,  the  chair  was  brought  around 
the  second  timt,  and  with  redoubled  force,  athwart  his 
head  and  shoulders,  which  brought  him  to  the  floor. 

No  sooner  had  he  fallen,  than  his  assailant,  dropping 
his  chair,  sprang  upon  him,  and  wrenched  from  his  firm 
grasp,  the  dreadful  weapons  of  death  ;  and  would  have 
disabled  him  on  the  spot,  but  Ensign,  who  by  this  time 
had  recovered  the  power  of  speech,  and  supposing  he 
intended  to  take  the  Indian's  life,  begged  of  him  not  to 
kill  him  in  the  house.  He  then,  holding  him  in  his  firm 
grasp,  called  for  a  rope,  which  was  soon  procured,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  Ensign,  he  succeeded,  though  not 
without  a  dreadful  struggle,  in  binding  the  savage  monster. 
By  this  time,  two  of  the  neighbors  who  had  been  alarmed 
by  some  female  of  the  family,  came  in,  when  he  was  shut 
up  in  an  out-house,  with  the  doors  barred,  and  left  in 
their  keeping  during  the  remainder  of  the  night ;  to  be 
disposed  of  in  the  morning  as  circumstances  might  re- 
quire. In  the  night,  the  guard  believing  him  secure, 
and  allowing  themselves  to  fall  asleep,  he  made  his  es- 
cape, by  removing  some  portion  of  the  floor  and  under 
wall,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  prison  to  which  his 
guard  was  posted,  much  to  the  regret,  not  only  of  his 
victor,  but  to  many  of  the  neighbors,  who  had  flocked 
together  to  obtain  a  sight  of  the  conquered  savage. 

At  another  time  seven  of  those  maurauding  tories, 
who  had  distinguished  themselves  by  a  series  of  desperate 
acts  not  to  be  patiently  endured  by  the  community,  were 


!  •    I 


\oyne. 


Appendix, 


243 


jmahawk  up- 
efore  he  could 
•ought  around 
?,  athwart  his 

the  floor, 
lant,  dropping 

from  his  firm 
d  would  have 
3  by  this  tin^e 

supposing  he 
of  him  not  to 
lim  in  his  firm 

procured,  and 
sd,  though  not 
avage  monster. 
I  been  alarmed 
en  he  was  shut 
ed,  and  left  in 
night  ;  to  be 

ces  might  rc- 
him  secure, 
made  his  es- 

oor  and  under 
to  which    his 

ot  only  of  his 

10  had  flocked 

savage. 

•auding  tories, 

es  of  desperate 

nmunity,  were 


y 


taken  piisoners,  conveyed  to  Albany,  and  confined  in  the 
city  prison,  which  also  served  for  the  court  house  and 
the  meetings  of  the  coaimon  council,  and  from  which 
they  once  made  their  escape,  but  only  to  enjoy  their 
liberty  a  few  hours,  for  they  were  soon  retaken  and  con- 
demned to  the  gallows.  The  public  indignation  was 
much  excited  by  their  conduct  in  prison,  and  the  cir- 
cumstances attending  their  being  brought  to  suffer  the 
sentence  of  the  law.  They  were  confined  in  the  right 
hand  room  of  the  lower  story  of  the  prison.  The  door 
of  their  apartment  swung  in  a  place  cut  out  lower  than 
the  level  of  the  floor.  When  the  shcrift'  came  to  take 
them  out  he  found  the  door  barricaded.  He  procured  a 
heavy  piece  of  timber  with  which  he  in  vain  endeavored 
to  batter  down  the  door,  although  he  was  assisted  in  the 
operation  by  some  very  athletic  and  willing  individuals. 
During  the  attempt,  the  voices  of  the  prisoners  were 
heard  threatening  death  to  those  who  persevered  in  the 
attempt,  with  the  assertion  that  they  had  a  train  of  pow- 
der to  blow  up  themselves  and  their  assailants.  Indeed 
it  was  well  ascertained,  that  a  quantity  of  powder  had 
passed  into  their  possession,  but  how,  could  not  be 
known.  It  was  afterwards  found  placed  under  the  floor, 
and  arranged  to  produce  the  threatened  result.  The 
sherift^^  could  not  effect  his  entrance,  while  a  crowd  of 
gazers  looked  on  to  see  the  end  of  this  singular  con- 
test. Some  one  suggested  the  idea  of  getting  to  them 
through  the  ceiling,  and  immediately  went  to  work 
to  effect  a  passage  by  cutting  a  hole  through.  While 
this  was   going  on,  the  prisoners   renewed  their   threats. 


244       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


Wi 


■I 

"I 


with  vows  of  vengeance  speedy,  awful  and  certain.  The 
assailants,  however,  persevered,  and  having  procured  a 
fire-engine,  placed  it  so  as  to  introduce  the  hose  sud- 
denly to  the  hole  in  the  ceiling,  and  at  a  given  signal 
inundated  the  room  beneath.  This  was  dextrously  per- 
formed. The  powder  and  its  train  were  in  an  instant 
rendered  useless.  Still,  however,  to  descend  was  the 
difficulty,  as  but  one  person  could  do  so  at  a  time.  The 
disproportion  of  physical  strength  that  apparently  awaited 
the  first  intruder,  prevented,  for  some  time,  any  further 
attempt.  At  last  an  Irishman,  by  the  name  of  McDole, 
who  was  a  merchant,  exclaimed,  "give  me  an  Irishman's 
gun,  and  I  will  go  first  !"  He  was  instantly  provided 
with  a  formidable  cudgel,  and  with  this  in  his  hand  he 
descended,  and  at  the  same  moment  in  which  he  struck 
the  floor,  he  levelled  the  prisoner  near  him,  and  con- 
tinued to  lay  about  him  violently  until  the  room  was 
filled  with  a  strong  party  of  citizens,  who  came  to  his 
assistance  through  the  hole  in  the  ceiling.  After  a  hard 
struggle  they  were  secured,  and  the  door,  which  had  been 
barricaded  by  brick  taken  from  the  fireplace,  was  opened. 

They  were  almost  immediately  taken  out  for  execu- 
tion, and  the  mob  was  sufliciently  exasperated  to  have 
instantly  taken  their  punishment  into  their  own  hands. 
The  prisoners  while  moving  up  the  hill  to  the  place  of 
execution,  wore  an  air  of  great  gloom  and  illnature.  No 
one  appeared  to  pity  them,  and  their  own  hopes  of  being 
released  by  some  fortunate  circumstance,  as  by  the  in- 
tervention of  the  enemy,  had  now  vanished  forever. 

Having  arrived  at  the  summit  of  the  hill,  near,  or  at 


tl 

ec 

t( 


■II: 


\oyne. 


Appendix, 


245 


ertain.     The 
g  procureil  a 
le    hose   sud- 
given  signal 
:xtroiisly  per- 
il! an   instant 
end   was   the 
1  time.     The 
ently  awaited 
;,  any  further 
:  of  McDole, 
m  Irishman's 
itly   provided 
his  hand  he 
ch  he  struck 
11,  and    con- 
le   room  was 
came   to  his 
After  a  hard 
ich  had  been 
was  opened, 
for  execu- 
ted to  have 
own  hands, 
he  place  of 
ature.     No 
)es  of  being 
by  the  in- 
rever. 
near,  or  at 


the  very  place  now  covered  with  elegant  and  substantial 
edifices,  near  the  present  academy,  they  there,  upon  one 
gallows  of  rude  construction,  ended  their  miserable  lives 
together,  and  were  buried  in  front  of  it. 

The  transaction  created  considerable  excitement,  and 
was  considered  by  the  tories  as  a  cruel  and  unnecessary 
waste  of  life,  and  a  sacrifice  to  the  unnatural  feelings 
which  had  dictated  the  unhappy  rebellion.  By  the 
whigs,  it  was  considered  as  a  necessary  example,  de- 
manded by  the  nature  of  the  times  and  the  enormity  of 
the  offences  they  had  committed,  and  they  considered  it 
not  only  a  justifiable,  but  an  imperious  act  of  necessity, 
to  inflict  upon  the  offenders  the  full  penalties  of  the  law.' 

*  *  ♦  in 

At  one  time  while  the  two  armies  were  encamped 
near  each  other  (after  the  battle  of  Freeman's  farm) 
about  twenty  of  the  most  resolute  ifihabitants  in  the 
vicinity,  collected  together  for  the  purpose  of  having  a 
frolic,  as  they  termed  it,  of  some  kind  or  other.  After 
their  arrival  at  the  place  of  rendezvous,  and  a  number  of 
propositions  had  been  logically  discussed,  they  finally 
concluded,  with  more  courage  than  prudence,  that,  by  a 
coup-de-main^  they  would  go  and  bring  in  one  of  the 
British  advance  pickets,  which  was  posted  on  the  north 
bank  of  the  middle  ravine.  Having  with  much  formality, 
selected  their  several  officers,  and  furnished  themselves 
with  suitable  arms  and  other  equipments,  they  marched 
off  in  /r-regular  military  style.  The  martial  costume  of 
the  captain,  for  by  such  title  he  was  addressed,  exhibited 


The  Sexagenary  J  by  H.  D.    W.  Bloodgood^  p.  100,   Munsell's  edition. 


^ 


i 


246      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

the  extremes  of  continental  etiquette,  personified  in  one 
instance,  by  a  sharp  and  huge  three  cocked  hat,  pro- 
fusely trimmed  with  the  threadbare  fragments  of  thrown- 
ofF  gold  lace,  surmounting  a  well  pomatumed  and 
powdered  head.  A  long  waistcd  blue  coat,  turned  up 
with  rather  sun-bleached  bufF,  that  met  and  parted  at  the 
same  time  on  his  breast  ;  a  black  silk  neck-kerchicf 
drawn  tightly  around  his  throat,  discovering  the  balance 
of  power,  or  rather  the  center  of  gravity,  to  be  lying 
some  where  in  the  region  of  the  olfactory  organ,  com- 
pleted the  upper  half  of  this  mischief-bent  volunteer 
officer.  A  pair  of  buckskin  small  clothes  drawn  tightly 
over  a  muscular  thigh,  were  met  at  the  knee  by  a  pair 
of  straight-sided  boots,  that,  doubtless,  by  their  stiffness 
and  want  of  pliability  prevented  any  thing  like  an. attack 
upon  the  limb  inside.  An  old  white  belt  thrown  over 
the  whole  man,  and  a  heavy  sabre  with  a  leather  scab- 
bard, completed  the  brilliant  costume  of  this  son  of 
chivalry,  and  /V-regular  friend  of  the  continental  congress. 

The  other  ^^w-missioned  officers,  for  such  by  way  of 
distinguishment,  were  they  called,  were  fully  armed  and 
accoutred  in  a  similar  manner,  but  somewhat  inferior  in 
brilliancy. 

Brown  tow  shirts  were  the  panoply  of  the  farmer- 
soldiers  ;  over  their  broad  shoulders  hung  powder  horns 
and  shot  bags,  manufactured  during  the  long  winter 
evenings,  and  now  and  then  stopped  up  with  a  corn  cob, 
which  had  escaped  the  researches  of  the  swinish  mul- 
titude. Muskets  were  rather  uncommon  among  the 
inhabitants  in  those  days  of  martial  exploit,  and  in  their 
stead,  long  fowling-pieces  were  substituted. 


ygoyne, 

sonified  in  one 
eked  hat,  pro- 
fits of  thrown- 
Dmatumed  and 
oat,  turned  up 
id  parted  at  the 

neck-kerchief 
ing  the  balance 
ty,  to  be  lying 
•y  organ,  coni- 
bent  volunteer 
s  drawn  tightly 
knee  by  a  pair 
'  their  stiffness 
;  like  an  .attack 
t  thrown  over 
I  leather  scab- 
)f  this  son   of 

ntal  congress. 
ich  by  way  of 

lly  armed  and 

hat  inferior  in 

)f  the  farmer- 
powder  horns 
long  winter 
th  a  corn  cob, 
swinish  nml- 
n  among  the 
:,  and  in  their 


Appendix. 


247 


In  such  a  group  of  combatants  just  escaped,  as  it  were, 
froni  the  tomahawk,  hastily  equipped  for  the  present  emer- 
gency, and  bearing  a  grotesque  appearance,  the  name  ot 
Steuben  was  of  no  more  wefght  than  the  feather  that 
danced  in  the  breeze.  Thus  armed  and  accoutred,  these 
sons  of  daring  intrepidity,  marched  oft' about  ten  o'clock 
at  night,  with  more  courage  than  order,  fully  determined 
to  conquer  or  die  in  the  glorious  cause  of  their  beloved 
country,  then  bleeding  at  every  pore. 

As  they  approached  within  m.usket-shot  distance  of 
their  unsuspecting  enemy,  they  were  formed,  or  rather 
formed  themselves  in  order  of  battle,  and  advanced  in 
three  ^r««^  divisions  —  one  by  a  circuitous  route,  to  gain 
their  rear,  while  the  other  two  posted  themselves  on 
their  flanks.  After  giving  time  for  each  party  to  gain 
their  several  positions,  the  resolute  captain,  who  was  pre- 
pared for  the  purpose,  gave  the  preconcerted  signal,  by 
a  deafening  blast  on  an  old  horse  trumpet,  whose  martial 
sound  had  oftciii  cheered  the  mounted  troops  to  fierce  and 
bloody  combat,  when  all,  with  fearless  step  "  rushed 
bravely  on"  with  clattering  arms,  through  rustling  leaves 
and  crackling  brush,  with  the  usual  parade  of  a  hundred 
men.  As  they  closed  in,  the  leaders  of  each  division,  in 
a  bold  and  commanding  voice,  and  before  the  guard 
could  say  "  Who  comes  there  ? "  called,  or  rather  bawled 
out,  "Ground  your  arms,  or  you  are  all  dead  men!" 
Supposing  they  were  surrounded  by  a  much  superior 
force,  and  deeming  resistance,  under  such  circumstances, 
of  no  avail,  the  officer  of  the  guard  gave  the  orders,  when 
their  arms  were  immediately  grounded,  and  thirty  British 


248      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


soldiers  surrendered  themselves  "  prisoners  of  war*'  to 
only  two-thirds  of  their  number,  and  those  undisciplined 
American  farmers. 

if.  ^      '  ^  if. 

Accompanying  the  American  army  were  a  great  num- 
ber of  women,  principally  foreigners,  many  of  whom  had 
husbands  or  brothers  in  the  action,  and  many  who  fol- 
lowed merely  for  the  sake  of  plunder,  as  was  manifested 
during  the  night  after  the  action  of  the  7th  October. 
The  next  morning  after  the  battle,  every  man  that  was 
left  dead  on  the  field,  and  even  those  who  were  supposed 
to  be  mortally  wounded,  and  not  yet  dead,  but  helpless, 
were  found  stripped  of  their  clothing,  which  rendered  it 
almost  impossible  to  distinguish  between  American  and 
British.  But  during  the  action,  a  heart-rending,  and  yet 
to  some  a  laughable,  scene  took  place  in  the  American 
camp,  and  probably  the  same  in  the  British.  In  the  heat 
of  the  battle,  and  while  the  cannon  were  constantly  roar- 
ing like  oft  peals  of  distant  thunder,  and  making  the 
earth  to  quake  from  its  very  foundation,  some  of  those 
women,  wringing  their  hands,  apparently  in  the  utmost 
distress,  and  frantically  tearing  their  hair  in  the  agony  of 
their  feelings,  were  heard  to  cry  out,  in  the  most  lament- 
able exclamations,  "  Och,  my  husband  !  my  poor  hus- 
band !  *  Lord  Jesus,  spare  my  poor  husband  ! "  which 
would  be  often  repeated,  and  sometimes  by  fifteen  or 
twenty  voices  at  once  -,  while  the  more  hardened  ones, 
and  those  rejoicing  in  the  prospects  of  plunder,  would 
break  out  in  blasphemous  imprecations,  exclaiming, 
''  D — n  your  poor  husband,  you  can  get  another  ! "     And 


loyne, 

s  of  war"  to 
undisciplined 

a  great  nuni- 
of  whom  had 
lany  who  Tol- 
as manifested 
7th   October. 
[Tian  that  was 
vere  supposed 
but  helpless, 
:h  rendered  it 
Vmerican  and 
iding,  and  yet 
:he  American 
In  the  heat 
nstantly  roar- 
making   the 
ome  of  those 
n  the  utmost 
the  agony  of 
nost  lament- 
ly  poor  hus- 
nd  !"  which 
Dy  fifteen  or 
rdened  ones, 
nder,  would 
exclaiming, 
■ner!"     And 


Appendix, 


249 


in  this  manner  the  scene  continued  during  the  action  ; 

and  I  have  heard  it  observed  by  those  who  were  present, 

,    that  they  could  not  help  smiling,  even  through  their  tears, 

at  the  pitiful  exhibition. 

*  *  *  ♦ 

The  soldier  who  shot  General  Fraser,  was  Timothy 
Murphy,  a  Virginian,  who  belonged  to  Morgan's  rifle 
corps,  in  which  he  distinguished  himself  as  a  marksman, 
and  excited  much  interest  while  in  camp.  After  the 
capture  of  Burgoyne,  the  company  to  which  he  belonged 
was  ordered  to  Schoharie,  where  it  remained  until  their 
term  of  service  expired.  When  the  company  was  dis- 
banded, Murphy  and  some  others  remained,  and  served 
in  the  militia  ;  his  skill  in  the  desultory  war  which  the 
Indians  carry  on,  gave  him  so  high  a  reputation,  that 
though  not  nominally  the  commander,  he  usually  directed 
all  the  movements  of  the  scouts  that  were  sent  out,  and 
on  many  important  occasions  the  commanding  officers 
found  it  dangerous  to  neglect  his  advice  ;  his  double  rifle^ 
his  skill  as  a  marksman,  and  his  fleetness  either  in  retreat 
or  pursuit,  made  him  an  object  both  of  dread  and  of  ven- 
geance to  the  Indians  :  they  formed  many  plans  to  de- 
stroy him,  but  he  always  eluded  them,  and  sometimes 
made  them  suffer  for  their  temerity. 

He  fought  the  Indians  with  their  own  weapons. 
When,  circumstances  permitted,  he  tomahawked  and 
scalped  his  fallen  enemy  ;  he  boasted  after  the  war  that 
he  had  slain  forty  of  the  enemy  with  his  own  hand  ;  more 
than  half  of  whom  he  had  scalped  ;  he  took  delight  in 
perilous  adventures,  and  seemed  to  love  danger  for  dan- 

22 


!■ 


•I  I 

I,. 


250      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

ger's  sake.  Tradition  has  preserved  the  account  of  many 
of  his  exploits  ;  but  there  are  so  many  versions  of  the 
same  story,  and  so  much  evident  fiction  mixed  with  the 
truth,  that  the  author  will  give  but  a  single  instance  as 
proof  of  the  dread  with  which  he  was  regarded  by  the 
Indians. 

They  were  unable  to  conjecture  how  he  could  dis- 
charge his  rifle  twice  without  having  time  to  reload  ;  and 
his  singular  good  fortune  in  escaping  unhurt,  led  them  to 
suppose  that  he  was  attended  by  some  invisible  being, 
who  warded  off  their  bullets,  and  sped  his  with  unerring 
certainty  to  the  mark.  When  they  had  learned  the 
mystery  of  his  doubled-barrelled  rifle,  they  were  careful 
not  to  expose  themselves  too  much  until  he  had  fired 
twice,  knowing  that  he  must  have  time  to  reload  his 
piece  before  he  could  do  them  further  injury. 

One  day  having  separated  from  his  party,  he  was  pur- 
sued by  a  number  of  Indians,  all  of  whom  he  outran  ex- 
cepting one  ;  Murphy  turned  round,  fired  upon  this 
Indian,  and  killed  him.  Supposing  that  the  others  had 
given  up  the  pursuit  he  stopped  to  strip  the  dead,  when 
the  rest  of  his  pursuers  came  in  sight.  He  snatched  the 
rifle  of  his  fallen  foe,  and  with  it  killed  one  of  his  pur- 
suers ;  the  rest,  now  sure  of  their  prey,  with  a  yell  of 
joy  heedlessly  rushed  on,  hoping  to  make  him  their  pri- 
soner ;  he  was  ready  to  drop  down  with  fatigue,  and  was 
likely  to  be  overtaken,  when  turning  round,  he  discharged 
the  remaining  barrel  of  his  rifle,  and  killed  the  foremost 
of  tiie  Indians  ;  the  rest,  astonished  at  his  firing  three 
times  in  succession,  fled,  crying  out  that  he  could  shoot 
all  day  without  loading. 


rgoyne. 


Appendix, 


251 


xount  of  many 
versions  of  the 
mixed  with  the 
gle  instance  as 
egarded   by  the 

he  could  dis- 
to  reload  ;  and 
irt,  led  them  to 
nvisible  being, 
r  with  unerring 
ad  learned  the 
ey  were  careful 
il  he  had  fired 

to  reload   his 
ury. 

ty,  he  was  pur- 
[1  he  outran  ex- 
fired  upon  this 
the  others  had 
the  dead,  when 
le  snatched  the 
one  of  his  pur- 
,  with  a  yell  of 
s  him  their  pri- 
"atigue,  and  was 
d,  he  discharged 
^d  the  foremost 
his  firing  three 
he  could  shoot 


In  stature,  Murphy  was  about  five  feet  six  inches,  and 
very  well  proportioned,  with  dark  complexion,  and  an 
eye  that  would  kindle  and  flash  like  the  very  lightning 
when  excited.  He  wa:  exceedingly  quick  in  all  his 
motions,  and  possessed  an  iron  frame  that  nothing  ap- 
parently could  affect :  And  what  is  very  remarkable,  his 
body  was  never  wounded  or  scarred  during  the  whole 

war/ 

*  *  ♦  * 

The  following  facts  respecting  Col.  Cochran,  1  ob- 
tained through  the  politeness  of  Miss  Caroline  Ogden, 
an  interesting  maiden  lady,  and  grand-daughter  of  the 
colonel,  who  now  (1844)  resides  with  J.  T.  M'Cown, 
Esq.,  in  the  city  of  Troy. 

Colonel  Cochran  having  been  sent  to  Canada  as  a 
spy,  his  mission  was  suspected,  and  a  large  bounty  offered 
for  his  head.  While  there  he  was  taken  sick,  and  know- 
ing that  he  was  suspected,  concealed  himself,  for  the 
space  of  a  few  days,  in  a  brush  heap,  within  about  two 
miles  of  the  American  lines,  unable  to  make  his  escape,  or 
even  to  walk.  Having  su  f'ered  much  from  his  sickness 
and  want  of  nourishment,  and  having  discovered  a  log 
cabin  at  considerable  distance  from  where  he  was  con- 
cealed, and  the  only  one  in  sight,  he  crept  to  it  on  his 


'  At  the  close  of  tfie  war,  Murphy  became  a  farmer  and  settled  in  Scho- 
harie Co.,  N.  Y.  He  was  a  capital  stump  speaker,  and  was  a  political 
power  in  the  county.  He  brought  William  C.  Bouck  into  political  life, 
which  in  time,  carried  him  into  the  gubernatorial  chair  of  the  Empiie  state. 
He  died  in  1818,  full  of  years  and  honors,  of  cancer  occasioned  by  the 
recoil  of  his  rifle!on  his  check. —  Ed. 


252       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

hands  and  knees,  for  the  purpose  of  soliciting  assistance. 
On  his  approach  to  the  rear  of  the  cabin,  he  heard  three 
men  in  earnest  conversation,  and  as  it  happened  he  was 
the   subject  of  their  discourse.      Having   heard  of   the 
heavy  bounty  that  was  offered  for  the  colonel,  and  having 
seen  a  man  in  the  vicinity  a  few  days  before,  answering 
the  description  of  him,  they  were  then  forming  their  plans, 
and  expressing  their  determination   to   find   his  where- 
abouts, and  take  him  for  the  sake  of  the  bounty,     One 
of  the  men  was  the  owner  of  the  cabin,  whose  wife  was 
also  present,  and  the  others  were  his  brother  and  brother- 
in-law.     Soon  after  this  conversation  took  place,  and  the 
three  men  having  departed  in  pursuit,  he  crept  into  the 
cabin,  and  frankly  told  the  woman,  who  seemed  favor- 
ably impressed  towards  him,  on  account  of  his  almost  help- 
less condition,  that  he  had  overheard  the  conversation, 
and  that  he  was  the  man  of  whom  they  were  in  search, 
and  that  he  should  throw  himself  entirely  upon  her  mercy, 
and  trust  to  her  fidelity  for  protection,  which  she  very 
kindly  promised  him,  to  the  utmost  of  her  ability.      Hav- 
ing administered  some  restoratives,  which  seemed  to  give 
relief,  and  given  him  some  suitable  nourishment,  he  lay 
down  on  a  bed  in  the  room,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
some  repose,  which  he  very  much   needed.     After  the 
men  had  been  absent  some  three  hours,  they  again  re- 
turned, when  she  concealed  him  in  a  closet,  or  sort  of 
cupboard,  standing  by  the  side  of  the  fire  place,  and  shut 
the  door,  taking  good  care  while  the  men  were  in  the 
house,  to  keep  near  it  herself,  that  if  anything  should  be 
wanted  from  within,  she  might  be  ready  to  get  it  herself. 


rgoyne. 

ting  assistance, 
he  heard  three 
ippened  he  was 
heard  of   the 
ncL  and  haviu": 
fore,  answering 
ling  their  plans, 
ind   his  where- 
bounty.      One 
A^hose  wife  was 
ler  and  brother- 
c  place,  and  the 
;  crept  into  the 
seemed  favor- 
his  almost  help- 
i  conversation, 
were  in  search, 
pon  her  mercy, 
vhich  she  very 
ability.      Hav- 
seemed  to  give 
shment,  he  lay 
pose  of  taking 
d.     After  the 
they  again  re- 
[)set,  or  sort  of 
Dlace,  and  shut 
m  were  in  the 
hing  should  be 
get  it  herself. 


Appendix. 


253 


During  the  time  the  men  were  in  the  cabin,  they  ex- 
pressed much  confidence  in  the  belief  that  the  colonel 
was  concealed  somewhere  in  the  vicinity,  and  named 
many  places  in  which  they  intended  to  se;,rch  for  him  ; 
all  of  which  he,  in  his  place  of  concealment,  overheard. 
Having  taken  some  food,  and  otherwise  prepared  them- 
selves, the  men  again  departed,  in  order  to  renew  their 
search. 

Soon  after  they  retired,  and  the  woman  considering 
the  colonel's  present  situation  not  long  safe,  she  proposed 
that  he  should  conceal  himself  at  some  distance  from  the 
cabin,  where  she  might  clandestinely  bring  him  food, 
and  render  him  such  other  assistance  as  he  needed,  and 
accordingly  directed  him  to  take  post  on  a  certain  hill 
about  half  a  mile  off,  where  he  might  be  able  to  discover 
any  person  on  their  approach,  and  to  flee,  if  he  was 
able,  and  it  became  necessary.  On  his  manifesting  an 
inclination  to  resume  his  former  position  in  the  brush 
heap,  which  was  in  the  midst  of  quite  a  patch  of  ground 
that  had  been  cut  over  for  a  fallow,  she  told  him  that 
her  husband  intended  to  burn  it  over  the  next  day,  and 
in  that  case  he  would  certainly  be  discovered,  or  perish 
in  the  conflagration  -,  upon  which  he  submitted  entirely 
to  her  proposition  and  directions,  and  crept  along  to  the 
hill  in  the  best  way  he  could.  He  remained  sometime 
in  this  place  of  concealment,  undiscovered  by  any  one 
except  this  faithful  Rahab  of  the  forest,  who  rendered 
him  suitable  and  timely  assistance,  and  like  a  good 
Samaritan  poured  in  the  "  oil  and  the  wine,"  until  his 
strength  was  in  a  measure  restored,  and  he  was  again 
enabled  to  return  to  his  country  and  his  home. 


254      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


i:  /I 


\\\[\ 


Some  years,  after  the  close  of  the  war,  and  while  the 
colonel  lived  at  Ticonderoga,  he  accidentally  came  across 
this  kind  hearted  woman,  whose  name,  I  much  regret, 
1  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain,  and  rewarded  her 
handsomely  for  her  fidelity. 

Colonel  Cochran  died  1822,  near  Sandy  Hill,  Wash- 
ington county.  New  York,  much  lamented  by  a  large 
circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  and  was  buried  in  the 

family  burying-ground  at  Fort  Edward. 

*  *  *  * 

The  Germans  were  found  almost  totally  unfit  for  the 
business  they  were  engaged  in.  They  were  unable  to 
march  through  the  woods  and  encounter  the  difficulties 
incident  to  our  then  almost  unsettled  country.  Many 
of  them  deserted  to  our  army  before  and  after  the  con- 
vention at  Saratoga. 

Among  those  of  the  German  troops  who  surrendered, 
were  the  Hesse-Hanau  regiment,  Riedesel's  dragoons 
and  Specht's  regiment,  the  most  remarkable  of  the  whole. 
The  Hessians  were  extremely  dirty  in  their  persons,  and 
had  a  collection  of  wild  animals  in  their  train  —  the  only 
thing  American  they  had  captured.  Here  ?ould  be  seen 
an  artillery-man  leading  a  black  grizzly  bear,  who  every 
now  and  then  would  rear  upon  his  hind  legs  as  if  he 
were  tired  of  going  upon  all  fours,  or  occasionally  growl 
his  disapprobation  at  being  pulled  along  by  his  chain. 
In  the  same  manner  a  tamed  deer  would  be  seen  tripping 
lightly  after  a  grenadier.  Young  foxes  were  also  ob- 
served looking  sagaciously  at  the  spectators  from  the  top 
of  a  baggage  wagon,  or  a  young  racoon  securely  clutched 


Mill 


ygoyne. 

and  while  the 
ly  came  across 
[  much  regret, 

rewarded   her 

y  Hill,  Wash- 
ted  by  a  large 
is  buried  in  the 


Appendix. 


255 


ly  unfit  for  the 
vere  unable  to 
the  difficulties 
luntry.  Many 
after  the  con- 

10  surrendered, 
sel's  dragoons 
e  of  the  whole, 
ir  persons,  and 
ain  —  the  only 

^ould  be  seen 
;ar,  who  every 

legs  as  if  he 
isionally  growl 

by  his  chain, 
e  seen  tripping 
were  also  ob- 
"s  from  the  top 
:urely  clutched 


under  the  arm  of  a  sharp  shooter.  There  were  a  great 
many  women  accompanying  the  Germans,  and  a  miscra- 
able  looking  set  of  oddly  dressed,  gypsey  feature  "emalcs 
they  were.  ' 

It  is  said  that  no  insults  were  offered  to  the  prisoners 
as  they  marched  off,  and  they  felt  grateful  for  it. 
However,  after  they  got  out  of  the  camp,  many  of  the 
British  soldiers  were  extremely  abusive,  cursing  the 
rebels  and  their  owr  hard  fate.  The  troops  were 
escorted  by  some  of  the  New  England  militia,  and 
crossed  the  river  at  Stillwater,  on  a  bridge  of  rafts, 
which  had  been  constructed  by  the  Americans  while  the 
army  was  encamped  on  Bemis's  heights. 
I  On  the  night  of  >  he  surrender,  a  number  of  Indians 
and  squaws,  the  reli-is  of  Burgoyne's  aboriginal  force, 
were  quartered  under  a  strong  guard  for  safe  keeping. 
Without  this  precaution  their  lives  would  not  have  been 
safe  from  the  exasperated  militia. 

9|C  3|C  3JC  JJC 

Among  these  savages  were  three,  that  were  between 
six  and  seven  feet  in  height,  perfect  giants  in  form,  and 
possessing  the  most  ferocious  countenances.  And 
among  them,  was  recognized  the  same  Indian  with  whom 
my  father  had  the  encounter  at  Ensign's. 

Blood  and  carnage  were  now  succeeded  by  success 
and  plunder.  The  clouds  of  battle  rolled  away,  and 
discovered  hundreds  of  searchers  after  the  relics  of  the 
tented  field. 

While   the  British   army   lay  on   the   north   bank   of 


m 


Vii 


i!  '' 


illil' 


!i  m:  I 


!!li- 

l:!i! 


i!  "I  ' 


256      Campaign  of  General  "John  Burgoyne, 

Fish  creek,  the  east  side  of  the  river,  in  addition  to  the 
regular  troops,  was  lined  with   American  militia.     One 
of  them,  an  expert  swimmer,  discovered  a  number  of  the 
enemy's  horses  feeding  in  a  meadow  of  General  Schuy- 
ler's, opposite,  and  asked  lission  of  his  captain  to  go 
over  and  get  one  of  them.      It  was  given,  and  the  man 
instantly  stripped,  and  swam  across  the  river.      He  as- 
cended the  bank  and   selecting  a  fine  bay    horse  for   his 
prize,  approached  the  animal,  seized,  and  mounted  him 
instantly.      This  last  was  the  work  of  a  moment.      He 
forced  the  horse  into  a  gallop,  plunged  down  the  bank 
and   brought  him   safely   over  to  the   American   camp, 
although   a  volley  of  musketry    was   fired  at  him  from  a 
party  of  British   soldiers   posted  at  a  distance   beyond. 
His  success  was  hailed  with  enthusiasm,  and  it  had  a 
corresponding  effect    on    his     own    adventurous    spirit. 
After  he  had  rested  himself,  he  went  to  his  officer  and 
remarked,  that  it  was  not  proper  that  a  private  should 
ride,  whilst  his  commander  went  on  foot.     "  So,  sir," 
added  he,  "  if  you   have   no   objections,  I  will  go   and 
catch  another   for  you,  and    next   winter  when  we  are 
home,  we  will   have  our  own   fun   in  driving  a  pair   of 
Burgoyne's   horses."     The  captain  seemed  to  think   it 
would  be  rather  a  pleasant  thing,  and  gave  a  ready  con- 
sent.    The  fellow  actually  went  across  the  second  time, 
and  with    equal  success,  and   brought  over  a  horse   that 
matched   exceedingly  well   with  the  other.     The  men 
enjoyed   this  prank   very    much,  and  it   was   a  circum- 
stance familiar  to  almost  every  one  in  the  army  at  that 
time. 


by 


goyne, 

ddition  to  the 
militia.      One 
number  of  the 
fneral  Schuy- 
captain  to  go 
and  the  man 
iver.      He  as- 
horse  tor   his 
mounted  him 
iioment.      He 
)wn  the  bank 
lerican   camp, 
at  him  from  a 
ance    beyond, 
and  it  had  a 
iturous    spirit, 
is  officer  and 
rivate  should 
"  So,  sir," 
will  go   and 
when   we  are 
zing  a  pair   of 
d  to   think    it 
a  ready  con- 
second  time, 
■  a  horse   that 
The  men 
as   a   circum- 
armv  at  that 


Appendix, 


257 


Another  circumstance  happened  about  the  same  time, 
and  shows  that  families  were  not  onlv  divided  in  feeling 
on  the  subject  of  the  war,  but  that  the  natural  ties  which 
bind  the  same  kith  and  kin  together,  were  not  al- 
ways proof  against  the  political  animosities  of  the  times. 
When  Burgoyne  found  his  boats  were  not  safe,  and  in 
fact  much  nearer  the  main  body  of  the  American  army 
than  his  own,  it  became  necessary  to  land  his  provisions, 
of  which  he  had  already  been  short  for  many  weeks,  in 
order  to  prevent  his  army  being  actually  starved  into 
submission.  This  was  done  under  a  heavy  fire  from 
the  American  troops,  who  were  posted  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river.     On  one  of  these  occasions,  a  person 

by  the  name  of  Mr.  ,  at  Salem,  and  a  foreigner  by 

birth,  and  who  had  at  the  very  time  a  son  in  the  British 
army,  crossed  the  river  at  De  Ridder's  with  a  person  by 
the  name  of  M'Neil  ;  they  went  in  a  canoe,  and  arriving 
opposite  to  the  place  intended,  crossed  over  to  the 
western  bank,  on  which  a  redoubt  called  Fort  Lawrence 
had  been  erected.  They  crawled  up  the  bank  with 
their  arms  in  their  hands,  and  peeping  over  the  upper 
edge,  they  saw  a  man  in  a  blanket  coat,  loading  a  cart. 
They  instantly  raised  their  guns  to  fire,  an  action  more 
savage  than   commendable.     At  the   moment  the   man 

turned  so  as  to  be  more  plainly  seen,  old  Mr.  said 

to  his  companion,  now  that's  my  own  son  Hughy,  but 
I'll  d — 'd  for  a'  that  if  I  sill  not  gi'  him  a  shot.  He  then 
actually  fired  at  his  own  son,  as  the  person  really  proved 
to  be,  but  happily  without  effect.  Having  heard  the 
noise  made  by   their  conversation,  and  the  cocking  of 


:  wife 


258      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

their  pieces,  which  the  nearness  of  his  position  rendered 
perfectly  practicable,  he  ran  round  the  cart,  and  the 
balls  lodged  in  the  felloe  of  the  wheel.  The  report 
drew  the  attention  of  the  neighboring  guards,  and 
the  two  marauders  were  driven  from  their  lurking 
place.  While  retreating  with  all  possible  speed  M'Niel 
was  wounded  in  the  shoulder  and  while  alive  carried  the 
wound  about  him  unhealed  to  his  last  day.  Had  the  ball 
struck  the  old  Scotchman,  it  is  questionable  whether  any 
one  would  have  considered  it  more  than  even-handed 
justice,  commending  the  chalice  to  his  own  lips. 

At  the  time  Governor  George  Clinton,  to  whose  in- 
defatigable exertions  the  state  of  New  "7ork  owes  more 
than  she  could  repay,  ordered  out  the  militia  of  the  dif- 
ferent counties,  and  at  their  head  proceeding  northwaid 
in  hopes  of  cutting  oft' the  retreat  of  Sir  John  Johnson, 
he  advanced  as  far  as  Crown  point  without  meeting  the 
enemy.  On  his  arrival  at  that  post,  and  hearing  nothing 
of  Sir  John,  my  father  and  John  Benson,  known  and 
distinguished  as  bare  foot  Benson,  who  were  volun- 
teers at  the  time,  were  selected  by  Governor  Clinton,  as 
scouts,  to  proceed  from  that  post  through  a  dense  howl- 
ing wilderness,  as  far  as  Schroon  lake,  for  the  purpose 
of  ascertaining  by  the  trail  of  the  Indians  whether  Sir 
John  had  passed  between  the  two  lakes.  With  only 
one  ration  for  each,  and  nothing  for  their  guide  but  a 
small  pocket  compass,  they  set  out  with  their  usual 
firmness  and  intrepidity.  After  traveling  over  steep 
and  rugged  mountains,  and  through  deep,  dark,  and 
dismal  ravines,   they  at  length  reached   Schroon    lake. 


ygoyne, 

isition  rendered 

cart,   and    the 

.     The  report 

g    guards,    and 

their  lurking 
;  speed  M'Nicl 
live  carried  the 
Had  the  ball 
lie  whether  any 
1  even-handed 
n  lips. 

I,  to  whose  in- 
ork  owes  more 
litia  of  the  dic- 
ing northwaid 
John  Johnson, 
ut  meeting  the 
learing  nothing 
1,  known   and 

were  volun- 
lor  Clinton,  as 
a  dense  howl- 
»r  the  purpose 
s  whether  Sir 
With  only 
ir  guide  but  a 
h  their  usual 
ig  over  steep 
ep,  dark,  and 
ichroon    lake, 


Appendix. 


259 


without  making  any  discovery,  in  time  to  return  as  tar 
tick  as  the  Beaver  meadows,  about  two  miles  west 
ot"  the  head  ot"  Brant  lake,  the  first  night.  During  the 
night,  by  way  of  precaution,  they  deemed  it  advisable  to 
separate,  that,  in  case  they  should  be  discovered  by  In- 
dians, who  were  constantly  lurking  about  the  country, 
there  might  be  a  better  chance,  for  one  of  them  at  least, 
to  make  his  escape  and  give  the  alarm.  Accordingly 
they  lay  down  in  the  tall  grass  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
rods  apart,  for  their  repose,  during  the  night.  About 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  as  near  as  they  could  judge, 
they  heard  a  rustling  in  the  grass,  about  equi-distant 
from  them  both,  and  soon  after  heard  a  stepping,  like 
some  person  cautiously  approaching,  which  they  sup- 
posed at  the  time  to  be  the  step  of  some  Indian  who 
might  have  discovered  them  at  the  time  they  concealed 
themselves  in  the  grass.  On  the  approach  of  the  object 
within  the  circle  of  their  faint  vision,  they  both,  as  if  by 
concert,  though  ignorant  of  each  others  intentions,  being 
determined  to  sell  their  lives  as  dear  as  possible,  raised 
themselves  on  one  knee,  levelled  iheir  pieces,  and  fired 
at  the  same  instant.  As  soon  as  they  fired,  they  heard 
a  groan  and  momentary  struggle  in  the  grass,  when  all 
again  was  still  as  the  abodes  of  death.  They  then  re- 
loaded, and  resumed  their  former  positions,  but  there  was 
no  more  sleep  for  them  during  the  remainder  of  that 
night.  Soon  after  day  break,  and  when  there  was  light 
sufficient  to  discern  objects  at  a  distance,  they  took  an 
observation,  and  seeing  no  enemy  near,  they  advanced 
to  ascertain  the  result  of  their  encounter  in  the  night, 


26o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

when   behokl,    to   ihcir   surprise,   they    found    they   had 
killed  a  famous  great  —  deer  ! 

After  having  their  own  sport  for  a  while,  they  startcil 
on  their  return  for  the  eanip,  by  a  different  route  from 
the  one  they  came,  and  which  they  supposed  would  be 
neaier,  but  they  had  not  gone  far  among  the  mountains, 
before  the  needle  to  their  compass  refused  to  perform  its 
duty,  owing  no  doubt  to  some  neighboring  mineral^ 
which  operated  more  powerfully  than  the  pole.  After 
wandering  about  for  some  time,  in  a  dark  and  dismal 
forest,  it  being  a  dark  and  cloudy  day,  they  became  be- 
wildered and  finally  got  lost.  Thus  they  continued  to 
travel  through  the  day,  and  found  themselves  at  night 
near  the  pla<"e  where  they  started  from  in  the  morning. 
By  this  time,  having  fasted  twenty-four  hours,  their  ap- 
petites became  so  sharp  they  thought  they  would  make 
a  meal  out  of  the  deer  they  had  fortuitously  killed  the 
night  before  ;  but  on  their  arrival  at  the  spot  they  found 
that  the  wolves  or  some  other  animals  had  devoured  it, 
and  left  not  eveti  a  bone.  They  then  laid  themselves 
down  for  repose,  on  the  same  bed  of  grass  they  had  oc- 
cupied the  night  of  the  encounter.  The  next  morning 
they  again  started  for  the  camp,  by  the  same  route  they 
came  the  hrst  day,  though  somewhat  faint  for  the  want 
of  food.  About  ten  o'clock  they  came  across  a  knap- 
sack, which  had  been  lost  or  left  in  the  woods,  by  some 
person  to  them  unknown,  containing  a  lot  of  boiled  pork, 
bread  and  cheese  promiscuously  thrown  in  together,  and 
out  of  which  Benson  made  a  hearty  meal  ;  but  my 
father,  having  so  strong  an  aversion  even  to  the  smell  of 


j»>*.> 


rgoyne. 

)uiul    they   had 

Ic,  they  startcil 

Mit   route   from 

osed   would  he 

the  mountains, 

I  to  perform  its 

)oring    mineral^ 

c  pole.      After 

irk   and  dismal 

ey  became  be- 

y   continued  U> 

selves   at  night 

n  the  morninti;. 

lours,  their  ap- 

:y  would  make 

•uslv  killed  the 

;pot  they  found 

d  devoured  it, 

aid  themselves 

they  had  oc- 

next  morning 

me  route  they 

t  for  the  want 

cross  a  knap- 

oods,  by  some 

f  boiled  pork, 

together,  and 

leal  ;   but    my 

Ito  the  sfnell  of 


Appendix, 


261 


cheese  that  he  refused  to  taste  a  mouthful  of  any  of  the 
contents  of  the  knapsack  ;  and  accordingly  stood  it  out 
until  he  arrived  at  camp,  about  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  third  day,  where  they  were  received, 
with  much  joy,  by  the  governor  and  his  staff,  who  had 
given  them  up  for  lost.  It  was  thus  ascertained  that  Sir 
John,  with  his  horde  of  Indians,  had  not  retreated  in  that 
direction,  and  the  governor  gave  up  all  hopes  of  intercept- 
ing them  on  this  occasion,  and  returned  home. 

As  I  have  pledged  myself,  in  my  introduction,  to  give 
all  the  principal  hicts  connected  with  Burgoyne's  cam- 
paign, as  far  as  they  have  come  to  my  knowledge,  and 
as  I  am  not  writing  to  please  ai^y  particular  individual  or 
class  of  readers,  I  will  relate  the  following  incident, 
which  is  often  spoken  of  even  to  this  day. 

The  inhabitants  throughout  this  part  of  the  country, 
having  been  much  harassed  by  the  Indians  and  tories, 
and  in  constant  danger  of  their  lives,  were  consequently 
under  the  necessity,  for  their  own  safety,  of  building,  at 
different  stations,  what  they  termed  block-houses. 

These  buildings  were  constructed  of  logs  flattened  on 
two  sides  and  locked  or  halved  together  at  the  angles  or 
corners,  which  rendered  them  strong  and  proof  against 
rifle  or  musket  balls.  On  each  side,  about  six  feet  from 
the  bottom,  was  an  interstice  or  narrow  space  between 
the  logs,  for  the  purpose,  in  case  of  a  siege  or  an  attack, 
of  thrusting  their  guns  through  to  fire  on  the  besiegers, 
below  this  open  space  a  platform  was  erected  about  two 
feet  from  the  floor,  to  stand  upon  while  firing.  The 
buildings  were  constructed  without  windows,  and  with 


t;  _ 

♦■■'■ 


n 


262        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

but  one  door,  which  was  made  strong,  and  when  occu- 
pied, this  was  strongly  barricaded.  To  these  buildings, 
when  it  was  known  or  suspected  there  were  Indians  or 
tories  in  the  vicinity,  a  number  of  families  would  resort 
during  the  night,  leaving  their  own  dwellings  much  ex- 
posed, and  many  of  which  were  plundered  and  con- 
sumed. • 

The  block-houses  were  often  attacked,  and  some- 
times with  considerable  force,  but  as  near  as  I  have 
been  able  to  learn,  without  much  success,  though  with 
some  loss  to  the  assailants. 

It  happened  during  a  considerable  interval  of  time,  in 
which  no  Indians  had  been  seen  in  the  neighborhood, 
that  the  inhabitants  ceased  resorting  to  their  block- 
houses. At  this  time  a  man  by  the  name  of  Joseph 
Seely,  whose  vicious  habits  generally  led  him  more  to 
the  gratification  of  his  own  evil  propensities,  than  the 
public  weal,  and  who  had  been  out  one  day  on  a  hunt- 
ing excursion,  for  which  he  was  very  famous,  and  not 
fastidious  about  the  kind  of  game  he  bagged,  even  if  it 
was  a  turkey  or  a  fowl  that  might  accidentally  come  in 
his  way,  returned  from  the  woods,  saying  he  had  come 
across  a  party  of  Indians  and  tories,  at  whom  he  had 
fired,  and  as  he  thought,  killed  one.  The  alarm  was 
immediately  spread  throughout  the  neighborhood,  and 
the  men  all  armed  themselves,  and  flocked  together,  for 
the  purpose  of  going  in  pursuit.  On  being  led  by  Seely 
to  the  place  where  he  said  he  had  shot  at  the  Indians, 
they  found  a  trail  of  blood  extending  some  distance 
through  the  woods,  which  led  them  on  the  course  they 


irgoyne. 

d  when  occu- 
hese  buildings, 
ere  Indians  or 
5  would  resort 
ings  much  ex- 
lered  and  con- 
ed, and  some- 
lear  as  I  have 
»,  though  with 

val  of  time,  in 

neighborhood, 

3    their    block- 

ame  of  Joseph 

J  him  more  to 

lities,  than  the 

ay  on  a  hunt- 

mous,  and  not 

ed,  even  if  it 

tally  come  in 

he  had  come 

Iwhom  he  had 

he  alarm  was 

|iborhood,  and 

together,  for 

led  by  Seely 

t  the  Indians, 

ome   distance 

course  they 


Appendix, 


263 


concluded  it  best  to  pursue,  not  doubting,  from  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  blood,  that  he  had  severely  wounded, 
if  not  killed,  one  of  the  Indians  or  tories. 

After  traveling  some  miles  and  finding  no  enemy, 
they  concluded  they  might  have  secreted  themselves  in 
the  neighborhood,  with  the  intention  of  committing 
their  savage  deeds  during  the  following  night.  Accord- 
ingly they  all  returned  home,  it  being  near  night,  and 
for  safety,  after  secreting  as  much  of  their  effects  as 
they  conveniently  could,  they  and  their  families  resorted 
to  their  block-houses,  anu  by  turns  kept  watch  for  the 
enemy  during  the  night  ;  but  none  appeared  to  molest 
them. 

The  next  morning  they  very  cautiously  returned  to 
their  several  homes,  and  manv  of  them  with  the  ex- 
pectation  of  finding  their  property  destroyed,  and  their 
dwellings  in  ashes.  About  ten  o'clock,  this  mischief- 
bent  hero  of  the  forest,  after  having  his  own  sport  at 
the  expense  of  his  neighbors,  and  feeling  conscious  he 
had  carried  the  joke  too  far,  finally  disclosed  the  whole 
secret.  Having  spent  the  whole  forenoon  of  the  pre- 
vious day,  and  finding  no  game,  on  his  return  came 
across  a  flock  of  sheep,  and  from  his  natural  propensity 
to  mischief,  he  fired  among  them,  and  badly  wounded 
one,  when  they  all  ran  into  the  woods.  On  pursuing 
them  some  distance  to  see  if  the  wounded  sheep  died, 
he  observed  the  blood  trickled  along  on  the  leaves  ; 
upon  which  he  thought  he  would  raise  a  "  hue  and 
cry,"  and  alarm  the  neighborhood,  by  the  horrible  story 
he  told  of  having  seen  and  shot  an  Indian. 


264      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


The  following  daring  feat  was  perrbrmed  by  the  au- 
thor's great-uncle,  Captain  Hezekiah  Dunham,  who 
commanded  a  militia  company  in  the  vicinity  of  Bemis's 
heights,  a  staunch  whig,  and  a  firm  friend  to  the 
American  cause. 

One  evening  as  he  was  at  a  public  entertainment,  a 
boy  was  seen  emerging  from  the  woods  in  the  neigh- 
borhood on  horseback,  and  presently  approaching  the 
place  where  the  people  were  collected,  asked  if  he 
could  purchase  a  little  rum.  When  he  was  answered 
no,  he  imm'^diately  mounted,  returned  a  considerable 
distance,  and  then  was  seen  galloping  down  the  main 
road  by  the  river.  On  seeing  this  Dunham  exclaimed, 
"  This  means  something,  1  am  sure  of  it."  He  then 
watched  for  the  boy's  return,  and  in  a  few  minutes  he 
repassed  at  full  speed.  He  then  reentered  the  wood, 
and  was  gone  from  their  sight  in  an  instant.  Dun- 
ham's penetration  induced  him  to  say,  "The  enemy  is 
near  us  ;  the  iories  are  in  our  neighborhood,  and  not 
far  off."  He  separated  from  his  company,  with  a  de- 
termination to  act  immediately. 

Dunham,  when  he  reached  home,  immediately  went 
to  a  person  by  the  name  of  Green,  who  was  a  son  of 
Vulcan  and  of  Mars,  and  an  able-bodied,  bold,  and 
persevering  fellow.  He  was  the  pride  of  his  settle- 
ment, and  the  safe-guard  of  the  people  around  him  — 
always  ready  fo'  action,  never  desponding,  and  fearless 
to  an  extent  that  was  remarkable.  He  was  always  re- 
lied upon  in  trying  emergencies  by  the  leading  men  in 
the   vicinity,  and  what  completed   his   merits,  he  was 


rgoyne, 

led  by  the  au- 

Dunham,   who 

nity  of  Bemis's 

friend    to    the 

ntertainment,  a 
in  the  neigh- 
pproaching  the 
I,    asked    if  he 
2  was  answered 
a   considerable 
iown  the  main 
lam  exclaimed, 
it."     He  then 
few  minutes  he 
jred  the  wood, 
instant.     Dun- 
The  enemy  is 
hood,  and   not 
ly,  with  a  de- 

lediately  went 
lo  was  a  son  of 
|ed,    bold,    and 
of  his   settle- 
laround  him  — 
;,  and  fearless 
'as  always  re- 
leading  men  in 
nerits,  he  was 


Appendix. 


265 


never  backward.  Dunham  related  the  circumstance  to 
him,  and  declared  his  belief  that  there  was  a  party  of 
tories  in  the  neighborhood. 

Three  other  persons  were  called  upon  the  same 
night  for  assistance,  and  when  the  rest  of  their  neigh- 
bors were  asleep,  these  hardy  men  commenced  thetr 
reconnaissance.  Every  suspected  spot  was  carefully  ap- 
proached in  hopes  of  finding  the  objects  of  their  search. 
Every  hollow  that  could  contain  a  hiding  place  was 
looked  into  ;  but  in  a  more  particular  manner  the  out- 
houses and  barns  of  those  persons  who  were  suspected 
for  their  attachment  to  the  enemy,  were  examined  by 
them.  It  seemed  all  in  vain.  No  traces  of  a  con- 
cealed foe  were  discovered,  when  toward  day-break  it 
was  proposed  to  separate  and  make  one  final  search  for 
that  time.  Dunham  took  two  men  with  him,  and 
Green  but  one.     The  former  as  a  last   effort  returned 

to  the  house  of  one ,  who  it  was  probable  would 

be  in  communication  with  an  enemy  if  near  him.  As 
he  approached  the  house  he  had  to  pass  a  meadow  ad- 
joining, and  observed  a  path  leading  from  the  house  to  a 
small  thicket  of  about  three  acres  in  extent.  Dunham 
immediately  suspected  it  led  to  his  enemy.  He  pur- 
sued it,  and  found  it  passed  around  the  thicket,  and 
when  it  almost  met  the  place  where  it  turned  off,  the 
path  entered  the  wood.  Dunham  paused,  and  turning 
to  his  companions  said,  "  Here  they  are,  will  you  fol- 
low me  ?"  They  instantly  agreed  to  accompany  him, 
and  the  party  moved  on  in  single  file,  with  light  and 
cautious    steps.     As    they    got    nearly    to    the    centre, 


266       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Dunham  in  advance,  a  log  stopped  up  the  path,  and 
seemed  to  prevent  any  farther  approach.  With  a  mo- 
tion that  indicated  the  necessity  of  their  remaining  still, 
he  mounted  the  log,  and  looking  over,  discovered,  sure 
enough,  at  once  a  desired  and  yet  imposing  sight. 
Around  the  remains  of  a  watch-fire,  which  day-break 
rendered  less  necessary,  sat  a  group  of  five  fierce  look- 
ing men,  with  countenances  relaxed  from  their  usual 
fixedness  ;  but  yet  betokening  boldness,  if  not  savage- 
ness  of  purpose.  They  were  dressing  themselves,  and 
putting  on  their  shoes  and  stockings,  which  stood  beside 
their  rude  couches.  Their  clothes  were  much  worn, 
but  had  a  military  cut,  which  making  their  stout  and 
muscular  forms  more  apparent,  gave  them  a  peculiar 
snug  fit,  and  distinguished  them  from  the  loose,  slovenly, 
scarecow  figures  which  the  homely  character  of  our 
country  seamstresses  imposed  upon  everything  rural  or 
rusticated  among  our  people.  Their  hats  or  caps  were 
set  carelessly  on  their  heads,  with  the  air  of  regulars ; 
and  what  made  them  still  more  observed  was,  that 
every  man  of  them  had  his  musket  at  his  side  on  the 
ground,  ready  to  be  used  at  an  instant's  notice.  Dun- 
ham surveyed  this  scene  a  few  moments,  and  then  drew 
back  cautiously  to  his  companions.  In  a  tone  not 
above  a  whisper,  he  said,  "  Shall  we  take  'em  ?"  A  nod 
from  his  companions  decided  him  —  each  now  examined 
his  musket,  and  reprimed  it.  The  captain  took  the 
right  of  the  little  band,  and  they  moved  forward  to  the 
log.  They  mounted  it  at  the  same  instant,  and  as  they 
did  so,   Dunham  cried   out,  "  surrender  or  you  are  all 


'goyne. 

Lhe   path,  and 
With  a  mo- 
smaining  still, 
icovered,  sure 
iposing    sight. 
ich  day-break 
e  fierce  look- 
m  their    usual 
if  not  savage- 
emselves,  and 
:h  stood  beside 
z  much  worn, 
heir  stout  and 
em  a    peculiar 
lOOse,  slovenly, 
iracter   of  our 
thing  rural  or 
or  caps  were 
r  of  regulars-, 
ved  was,  that 
lis  side  on  the 
lotice.      Dun- 
and  then  drew 
1    a    tone    not 
em  ?"     A  nod 
now  examined 
itain   took  the 
orward  to  the 
It,  and  as  they 
jr  you  are  all 


appendix. 


267 


dead  men  !"  The  group  that  thus  found  themselves 
almost  under  uie  "  muzzles  of  their  enemies'  guns," 
were  indeed  astonished.  All  but  their  leader,  Thomas 
Lovelass,  seemed  petrified  and  motionless.  This  reso- 
lute man  seemed  disposed  to  make  an  effort  for  their 
lives.  Twice  amid  the  silence  and  stillness  of  the 
perilous  moment,  he  stretched  out  his  hand  to  seize  his 
gun.  Each  time  he  was  prevented  by  the  near  ap- 
proach of  the  muzzle  that  pointed  at  his  head,  and  be- 
yond which  he  saw  an  unflinching  eye  steadfastly  fixed 
upon  him  ;  at  the  same  instant  he  was  told,  that  if  he 
touched  it  he  was  a  dead  man. 

At  this  critical  period  of  the  rencontre,  Dunham  pe- 
remptorily ordered   the   party  to  come  out,  one   by  one, 
which   they  reluctantly  did,   fearing   perhaps  that   they 
were  surrounded  by  and  in  contact  with  a  superior  force. 
As  fast  as  one  came  over  the  log  he  was  secured  by  the 
most  powerful  man  of  the  three,  while  the  other  two  kept 
their   pieces  steadily   pointed   at   the   prisoners.      Some 
young  women  who  proved  to  be  sisters  of  some  of  the 
party,  gave  way  to  the  most  violent  grief.      Well  aware 
of  the  danger  they  were   in,  and   the  speedy  vengeance 
inflicted  upon  tories  and  spies,  they  anticipated  the  most 
dreadful  consequences  to  their  unhappy  brothers,  and  no 
words  can  express  the  frantic  sorrow  to  v/hich  they  aban- 
doned themselves.     The  young  men  themselves  assumed 
an  air  of  firmness,  but  it  was  easily  penetrated.     They 
confessed  that  their  intention  was  to  capture  and  take  off 
some  of  the  most  active  whigs  in  the  neighborhood.     One 
of  the  prisoners,  upon  promise  of  quarter,  informed  that 
he  belonged  to  a    party  of  fifteen,  who  had  come  down 


■p 


w 


268      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


from  Canada  on  the  same  business  —  who  were  then,  in 
various  disguises,  scattered  through  the  country  to  ascer- 
tain the  state  of  affairs  for  the  benefit  of  the  British 
general  in  Canada,  who  was  planning  an  inroad,  and 
that  they  had  left  their  boats  concealed  on  the  shores  of 
Lake  Gv  orge.  The  country  was  at  that  time  overrun 
with  spies  ''nd  traitors.  Robberies  were  frequent,  and 
the  inhabitan  s  (non-combatants),  carried  prisoners  to 
Canada.  General  Schuyler's  house  was  robbed  ;ind  two 
of  his  servants  or  life-guards  carried  there.  The  general 
saved  himself  by  retiring  to  his  chamber,  barricading  the 
door,  and  firing  upon  the  marauders. 

Lovelass  and  his  companions,  were  taken  to  the  bar- 
racks at  Saratoga,  where  they  were  tried  and  condemned 
at  a  court-martial,  of  which  the  celebrated  General 
Stark  was  president.  Lovelass  alone  suffered  death. 
He  was  considered  too  dangerous  a  man  to  be  permitted 
to  escape.  He  complained  that  being  found  with  arms  in 
his  hands  he  was  only  a  prisoner,  and  many  thought  that 
such  being  the  fact  he  was  scarcely  punishable  as  a  spy. 
Indeed  he  even  bewailed  his  hard  fate,  and  the  injustice 
done  him,  but  found  he  had  nothing  to  expect  from  the 
judges.  In  two  or  three  days  he  was  brought  out  of 
his  place  of  confinement,  and  suffered  death  upon  the 
gallows,  during  a  tremendous  storm  of  rain  and  wind, 
accompanied  with    heavy  and   often   repeated   claps   of 

thunder,  and  the  most  vividflashes  of  lightning.^ 
*  *  *  * 


th( 

by 


'  The  skull  of  Lovelass  is  now  (1877)  in  the  possession  of  GeorgeStrover 
Esq.,  who  lives  in  the  old  Schuyler  mansion  at  Schuylerville.  The  spy 
was  hung  a  few  rods  south  of  his,  Mr.  Strover's,  house. 


"goyne. 

)  were  then,  in 
untry  to  ascei- 
of  the  British 
in  inroad,  and 
nt  the  shores  of 
t  time  overrun 
:  frequent,  and 
d  prisoners  to 
obbed  ;;nd  two 
.  The  general 
barricading  the 

cen  to  the  bar- 

md  condemned 

)rated    General 

suffered   death. 

o  be  permitted 

id  with  arms  in 

>y  thought  that 

hable  as  a  spy. 

id  the  injustice 

*cpect  from  the 

rought  out  of 

eath  upon  the 

ain  and  wind, 

ated   claps   of 

tning.^ 


n  of  George  Strover 
lerville.     The  spy 


Appendix. 


269 


The  following  incident,  which  took  place  near  Oris- 
kany,  may  be  interesting  to  the  reader,  as  showing  the 
unlimited  confidence  which  might,  in  those  days,  be 
placed  in  the  Indians,  when  pledged  to  perform  any  cer- 
tain act  within  their  power. 

An  old  Indian  named  Han- Yerry,  who  during  the  war 
had  acted  with  the  royal  party,  and  now  resided  at 
Oriskany  in  a  log  wigwam  which  stood  on  the  bank  of 
the  creek,  just  back  of  the  house  until  recently  occupied 
by  Mr.  Charles  Green,  one  day  called  at  Judge  White's 
with  his  wife  and  a  mulatto  woman  who  belonged  to 
him,  and  who  acted  as  his  interpreter.  After  conversing 
with  him  a  Httle  while,  the  Indian  asked  him, 

"  Are  you  my  friend  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  he. 

"  Well,  then,"  said  the  Indian,  "  do  you  believe  I  am 
your  friend  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Han-Yerry,"  replied  he,  "  I  believe  you  are.'* 

The  Indian  then  rejoined,  "  well,  if  you  are  my  friend, 
and  you  believe  I  am  your  friend,  I  will  tell  you  what  I 
want,  and  then  I  shall  know  whether  you  speak  true 
words." 

"  And  what  is  it  that  yo^  want  ?  "  said  Mr.  White. 

The  Indian  pointed  to  a  little  grandchild,  the  daughter 
of  one  of  his  sons,  then  between  two  and  three  years 
old,  and  said, 

"  My  squaw  wants  to  take  this  pappoose  home  with 
us  to  stay  to-night,  and  bring  her  home  to-morrow  :  if 
you  are  my  friend^  you  will  now  show  me." 

The  feelings  of  the  grandfather  at  once  uprose  in  his 


'■"Kc-'^'i 


270      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


bosom,  and  the  child's  mother   started  with   horror  and 
alarm   at  the   thought  of  entrusting  her  darling  prattler 
with  the  rude  tenants  of  the  forest.     The  question  was 
full    of  interest.     On    the  one    hand,  the    necessity  of 
placing  unlimited  confidence  in  the  savage,  and  entrust- 
ing the  welfare  and  the  life  of  his  grandchild  with  him  ; 
on  the  other  the  certain  enmity  of  a  man  of  influence 
and  consequence  in  his  nation,  and  one  who  had  been 
the  open  enemy  of  his  countrymen  in  their  recent  struggle. 
But  he  made  the  decision  with  a  sagacity  which  showed 
that  he  properly  estimated  the  character  of  the  person 
he  was  dealing  with.     He  believed  that  by  placing  im- 
plicit confidence  in  him,  he  should  command  the  sense 
of  honor  which  seems  peculiar  to  the  uncontaminated 
Indian.      He   told  him  to   take  the   child  ;  and   then  as 
the  mother,  scarcely  suffering  it  to  be  parted  from  her, 
relinquished  it  into  the  hands  of  the  old  man's  wife,  he 
soot'icd  her  fears  with  his  assurances  of  confidence  in 
their  promises.     That  night,  however,  was  a  long  one  ; 
and  during  the  whole  of  the  next  morning,  many  and 
often  were  the  anxious  glances  cast  upon  the  pathway 
leading  from  Oriskany,  if  possible  to  discover  the  In- 
dians  and   their  little  charge,  upon   their  return  to  its 
home.      But  no  Indians  came  in  sight.     It  at  length  be- 
came high  noon  ;  all  a  mother's  fears  were  aroused  j  she 
could  scarcely  be  restrained  from  rushing  in  pursuit  of 
her  loved  one.      But   her  father   represented  to   her  the 
gross    mdignity   which    a   suspicion  of  their   intentions 
would  arouse  in  the  breast  of  the  chief;  and  half  frantic 
though  she   was,   she   was  restrained.     The  afternoon 


irgoyne, 

nth   horror  and 
darling  prattler 
le  question  was 
he    necessity  of 
ge,  and  entrust- 
:hild  with  him  •, 
lan  of  influence 
;  who  had  been 
recent  struggle. 
I  which  showed 
r  of  the  person 
by  placing  im- 
mand  the  sense 
uncontaminated 
i  ;  and   then  as 
arted  from  her, 
man's  wife,  he 
confidence  in 
i^as  a  long  one  ; 
ning,  many  and 
)n  the  pathway 
iscover  the  In- 
ir  return  to  its 
It  at  length  be- 
e  aroused  ;  she 
g  in  pursuit  of 
ited  to   her  the 
heir   intentions 
and  half  frantic 
The   afternoon 


Appendix. 


271 


slowly  wore  away,  and  still  nothing  was  seen  of  her  child. 
The  sun  had  nearly  reached  the  western  horizon,  and 
the  mother's  heart  had  swollen  beyond  further  endurance, 
when  the  forms  of  the  Indian  chief  and  his  wife,  bearing 
upon  her  shoulders  their  little  visitor,  greeted  its  mother's 
vision.  The  dress  which  the  child  had  worn  from  home 
had  been  removed,  and  in  its  place  its  Indian  friends  had 
substituted  a  complete  suit  of  Indian  garments,  so  as 
completely  to  metamorphose  it  into  a  little  squaw.  The 
sequel  of  this  adventure  was  the  establishment  of  a  most 
ardent  attachment  and  regard  on  the  part  of  the  Indian 
and  his  friends  for  the  white  settlers.  The  child,  now 
Mrs.  Eells  of  Missouri,  the  widow  of  the  late  Nathaniel 
Eells  of  Whitesboro,  still  remembers  some  incidents  oc- 
curring on  the  night  of  her  stay  at  the  wigwam,  and  the 
kindness  of  her  Indian  hostess. 

Another  —  which  occurred  in  relation  to  the  siege  of 
Fort  Stanwix,  and  which  evinced  the  fortitude  and 
prowess  of  General  Schuyler,  in  moments  of  difficulty. 

When  Colonel  Willett  and  his  companion  Lieutenant 
Stockwell  left  the  fort  and  got  beyond  the  investing  party, 
which  was  not  done  without  passing  through  sleeping 
groups  of  savages,  who  lay  with  their  arms  at  their  side, 
they  crossed  the  river,  and  found  some  horses  running 
wild  in  the  woods.  They  were  soon  mounted,  and  with 
the  aid  of  their  bark  bridles,  stripped  from  the  young 
trees,  they  made  considerable  progress  on  their  journey. 
It  is  well  known  that  they  reached  Stillwater  village,  and 
begged  a  reinforcement.  General  Schuyler,  who  then 
quartered  in  the  house  of  Dirck  Swart,  Esq.,  now  stand- 


272      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


ingat  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  occupied  by  Mrs.  Williams, 
called  a  council  of  his  officers,  and  asked  their  advice. 
It  is  perhaps  not  generally  known  that  he  was  opposed 
by  them.  As  he  walked  about  in  the  greatest  anxiety, 
urging  them  to  come  to  his  opinion,  he  overheard  some 
of  them  saying,  "  he  means  to  weaken  the  army."  The 
emotions  of  the  veteran  were  always  violent  at  the  re- 
collection of  this  charge.  At  the  instant  when  he  heard 
the  remark,  he  found  that  he  had  bitten  a  pipe,  which 
he  had  been  smoking,  into  several  pieces,  without  bein<i; 
conscious  of  what  he  had  done.  Indignantly  he  ex- 
claimed, "  Gentlemen,  I  shall  take  the  responsibility  upon 
myself;  where  is  the  brigadier  that  will  take  command 
of  the  relief?  I  shall  beat  up  for  volunteers  tormorrow." 
The  brave,  the  gallant,  the  ill  fated  Arnold  started  up 
witli  his  characteristic  quickness,  and  offered  to  take 
command  of  the  expedition.  In  the  morning  the  drum 
beat  for  volunteers,  and  two  hundred  hardy  fellows 
capable  of  standing  great  fatigue,  offered  their  services 
and  were  accepted.  The  result  of  his  efforts  is  well 
known.  To  General  Schuyler's  promptness  and  fear- 
lessness, therefore,  due  credit  should  be  given. 

*(«  '1^  ^K  *K 

Another  —  in  relation  to  the  same  siege  may  be  in- 
teresting to  the  reader. 

A   man  by  the  name  of  Baxter,  who  resided  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  fort,  being  a  disaffected  man,  had  been 
sent   to   Albany,  to   be    watched   by   the   committee  of 
safety.^    Two  sons  of  his  remained  behind,  and  were  ex 
tremely  industrious,  taking    every  opportunity  to   keep 


rgoyne, 

Mrs.  Williams, 
id  their  advice, 
le  was  opposed 
reatest  anxiety, 
overheard  some 
e  army."  The 
Dlent  at  the  re- 
:  when  he  heard 
n  a  pipe,  which 
1,  without  being 
^nantly  he  ex- 
ponsibility  upon 

take  commanii 

grs  tormorrow." 

nold  started  up 

offered  to  take 

)rning  the  drum 

hardy  fellows 
J  their  services 
;  efforts  is  well 
>tness  and  fear- 
liven. 

ege  may  be  in- 
resided  in  the 
man,  had  been 
J  committee  ot 
id,  and  were  ex 
rtunity  to   keep 


Appendix. 


273 


their  farm  in  order,  notwithstanding  its  being  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  hostile  parties.  They  were  so  success- 
ful, and  so  little  disturbed  by  the  British,  that  the  Ameri- 
cans began  to  suspect  that  they  were  on  too  good  terms 
with  the  enemy.  Their  father's  character  kept  up  the 
suspicion.  One  day,  as  it  subsequently  appeared,  one  of 
the  sons,  who  was  working;  with  a  wheel  plough,  in  cut- 
ting his  furrows,  would  every  few  minutes  approach  a 
fence  which  was  between  him  and  the  enemy.  After 
several  turns,  as  he  was  making  his  last  cut  across  the 
field,  he  felt  his  hands  suddenly  grasped  with  violence. 
Impelled  by  a  natural  desire  to  escape,  he  jumped  for- 
ward, and  seizing  his  plough  cleaver,  he  turned  on  his 
antagonist,  who  was  an  Indian,  and  felled  him  to  the 
ground.  But  a  second  approached,  and  with  equal  dex- 
terity and  nerve  he  dealt  a  second  blow,  which  levelled 
the  savage.  Both  were  stunned,  their  heads  being  too 
obvious  to  escape  the  terrible  blow  of  the  plough  cleaver. 

As  they  lay  on  the  ground,  he  alternately  struck  them 
over  their  heads  with  all  his  might,  and  then  setting  his 
horses  clear  from  the  plough,  he  came  to  the  fort  and 
told  them  what  h^d  happened.  His  tale  was  not  believed, 
ind  when  he  offered  to  lead  them  to  the  spot,  they  sus- 
pected further  treachery.  They  detained  him  to  abide 
the  event,  and  sent  out  a  detachment  to  ascertain  how 
the  fact  was  ;  and  these  found  two  savages  lying  dead 
at  the  place  he  mentioned.  This  brave  feat  procured 
the  release  of  the  father,  and  indeed  rescued  the  whole 
family  from  the  imputation  of  toryism  forever. 

Another — respecting  Abraham  D.   Quackenboss,  as 


274      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

riskany,  may  also 


be 


:h  the  battle  of  Oi 


ing  connected  with  the 
be  interesting. 

Abraham  D.  Quackenboss,  resided  in  the  Mohawk 
country  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  2i\  the  breaking 
out  of  the  war.  Living  as  it  were  among  the  Indians, 
he  spoke  their  language  as  well  as  he  did  his  own. 
Among  them  he  had  a  friend,  named  Bronkahorse  — 
who,  though  an  Indian,  had  been  his  playmate,  and  they 
had  served  in  the  French  war  together  under  Sir  William 
Johnson.  When  the  revolutionary  troubles  came  on, 
Bronkahorse  called  upon  Quackenboss,  and  endeavored 
to  persuade  him  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the  king  —  assur- 
ing him  ;hat  their  Great  Father  could  never  be  con- 
quered. Quackenboss  refused,  and  they  parted.  The 
Indian,  however,  assuring  him  that  they  parted  as  friends, 
although,  since  they  had  fought  in  one  war  together  he 
had  hoped  they  might  do  so  in  the  other.  Mr.  Quack- 
enboss saw  no  more  of  his  friend  until  the  battle  of 
Oriskany.  During  the  thickest  of  the  fight  he  heard  his 
name  called  in  the  well  known  voice  of  Bronkahorse, 
from  behind  a  large  tree  near  by.  He  was  himself  shel- 
tered by  a  tree  ;  but  in  looking  out  for  the  warriors  he 
saw  his  Indian  friend.  The  latter  now  importuned 
Quackenboss  to  surrend<  .,  assuring  him  of  kind  treat- 
ment and  protection,  but  also  assuring  him  unless  he 
did  .'o,  he  would  inevitably  be  killed.  Quackenboss 
refused,  and  the  Indian  thereupon  attempted  to  kill  him. 
For  a  moment  they  watched  each  other  endeavoring  to 
obtain  the  first  and  best  chance  of  a  shot.  The  Indian 
at   length    fired,  and   his   ball   struck   the   tree,  but    had 


"goynt. 

iaiiy,  may  also 

the  Mohawk 
/.  the  breaking 
ig  the  Indians, 
did   his  own. 
Bronkahorse  — 
mate,  and  they 
ler  Sir  Wilham 
ibles  came  on, 
md  endeavored 
:  king  —  assur- 
never  be  con- 
'  parted.      The 
irted  as  friends, 
var  together  he 
Mr.  ^uack- 
l   the   battle  of 
ht  he  heard  his 
Bronkahorse, 
is  himself  shel- 
he  warriors  he 
)W    importuned 
of  kind  treat- 
him   unless  he 
Quackenboss 
ted  to  kill  him. 
endeavoring  to 
The  Indian 
tree,  but    had 


Appendix, 


275 


nearly  been  fatal.  Springing  from  his  covert  up(Mi  the 
Indian,  Quackeiihoss  fired,  and  his  friend  Broi)kahorse 
fell  dead  on  the  spot.  It  was  the  belief  of  Mr.  C)uack- 
enb ;ss  that  the  loss  of  the  enemv  durinii  that  battle 
equalled  that  of  Herkimer's  command.  The  latter  suf- 
fered the  most  severely  in  the  early  part  of  the  engage- 
ment—  the  enemy  in  the  latter  part. 

No.  II. 

Force  employed  under  Lieutenant  General  Bur- 
goyne  in  the  campaign  of  i  777. 

The  army  which  took  the  field  in  July,  1777,  con- 
sisted of  seven  battalions  of  British  infantry  ;  viz.  :  9th, 
20th,  21st,  24th,  47th,  53d,  and  62d  regiments,  of  each 
of  which  (as  also  of  three  regiments  left  in  Canada)  the 
flank  companies  were  detached  to  form  a  corps  of  grena- 
diers and  light  infantry,  under  Majors  Ackland  and  the 
Earl  of  Balcarras.  The  German  troops  consisted  of  a 
few  Hessian  rifles  (the  regiment  of  Hcsse-Hanau),  a 
corps  of  dismounted  dragoons,  and  a  mixed  force  of 
Brunswickers.  The  artillery  was  composed  of  5  1 1  rank 
and  file,  including  100  Germans,  with  a  large  number  of 
guns,  the  greater  part  of  which,  however,  were  employed 
only  on  the  lakes.  The  ordnance  which  accompanied 
the  force  on  their  line  of  marcii,  consisted  of  thirty-eight 
pieces  of  light  artillery  attached  to  columns,  and  a  pair 
of  six  twenty-four  pounders,  six  twelve  poundeis,  and 
four  howitzers. 

The  royal  army  was  divided  into  three  brigades  under 


276      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Major  General  Phillips,'  of  the  royal  artillery,  and 
Brigadier  Generals  Eraser  and  Hamilton.  The  German 
troops  were  distributed  among  the  three  brigades,  with 
one  corps  of  reserve  under  Colonel  (Brigadier  General) 
Breymann,  and  were  immediately  commanded  by  Major 
General  Riedesel,  Colonel  Kingston,  and  Captain  Money 
acted  as  adjutant  and  quarter-master  general,  and  Sir 
James  Clerke  (killed  at  Saratoga  in  the  action  of  Oct. 
7th),  and  Lord  Petersham  (afterward  Earl  of  Harrington), 
were  aides-de-camp  to  General  Burgoyne. 
The  total  force  was  —  rank  and  file  : 

British, 4,135 

German, 3i^i^ 

Canadian  militia, 148 

Indians, 503 

Total, 7<»902 

Of  these  numbers  General  Burgoyne  was  obliged  to 
detach  nearly  1,000  men  to  garrison  Ticonderoga  before 
he  crossed  the  Hudson.  —  Fonhlanque' s  Burgoyne. 


'  The  employment  of  artillery  officers  in  command  of  infantry  brigades 
was  at  that  time  contrary  to  regulation,  and  General  Burgoyne,  in  a  letter 
to  General  Hervey  of  1 1  July,  '77,  excuses  himself  for  having  made  this 
arrangement  by  the  statement  that  "  the  service  must  suffer  in  the  most 
material  degree  if  the  talents  of  General  Phillips  were  not  suffered  to  extend 
beyond  the  artillery}  and  I  hold  myself  fully  justified  in  continuing  this 
great  use." 


I'  > 


oyne. 

irtillery,  and 
The  German 
irigades,  with 
dier  General) 
ded  by  Major 
aptain  Money 
leral,  and  Su- 
ction of  Oct. 
f  Harrington), 


..  4,^35 
,..  3,ii6 

148 
...      503 

was  obliged  to 
nderoga  before 
urgoyne. 

of  infantry  brigades 
5urgoyne,  in  a  letter 
r  having   made  this 

suffer  in  the  most 
ot  suffered  to  extend 

in   continuing  this 


Appendix, 


277 


^ 


Remarks  on  the  Employment  of  German  Troops 
BY  the  English  Government. 

A  great  deal  has  been  written  in  condemnation  of  the 
English  government  employing  Germans  in  the  war  for 
the  subjugation  of  her  revolted  American  colonies.  But 
does  any  soldier  work  for  pure  patriotism  and  not  for 
hire  ?  Besides,  at  that  time,  the  German  soldier  belonged 
body  and  soul  to  him  to  whom  he  had  sold  himself:  he 
had  no  country  ;  he  was  severed  from  every  tie —  in  fact, 
he  was,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  the  property  of  his 
military  lord,  who  could  do  with  him  as  he  saw  fit. 
Again,  it  may  well  be  asked,  wherein  did  this  action  of 
the  British  government  differ  from  that  of  the  United 
States,  employing  in  our  late  civil  w?t  recruiting  agents 
in  the  different  German  ports  for  the  express  purpose  of 
filling  up  her  depicted  armies,  and  also  purchasing  sub- 
stitutes in  Canada. 

No.  III. 

Instructions  for  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum,  on  a 
Secret  Expedition  to  the  Connecticut  River. 


[  The  erasures  were  made  by 
General  Burgoyne.^^ 

The  object  of  your  ex- 
pedition is  to  try  the  affec- 
tions   of   the    country,    to 


Amendments  made  by  General 
Burgoyne. 


'  The  erasures  are  printed  in  italics,  and  the  amendments  in  the  opposite 
column. 


27^     Campaign  of  General  John  Burguyne. 


Iisconcer 


t  th 


e   counci 


th 
R 


e  enem) 


to  moun 


Is  of 
t    the 


complete     Peteis's     coips, 

will 

and  to  obtain  large  supplies 

ight 

of  cattle,  horses   and  car- 

war( 

riages. 

On 

The    several    corps,    of 

rece 

which  the  inclosed  is  a  list,  - 

no  e 

are  to  be  under  your  com- 

neig 

mand. 

(>): 

'1'  ie  troops  must  take  no 

roac 

tents,  and   what  little  bag- 

Roc 

gage  is  cariied    by   officers 

will 

must  be  on  their  own  bat 

be  t 

horses. 

the 

You  are  to    proceed    by 

\ 

the    route  from    Batten  kil 

as  lo 

to  Arlington,  and  take  post 

the  I 

there,  so  as  to  secure  the  pass 

from 

from  Manchester,      You  are 

aftei 

to    remain  at    Arlington  till 

the< 

the  detachment  of  the  Pro- 

tleb 

vincials,    under    the    com- 

by t 

mand  of  Captain  Sherwood, 

are  i 

sha  1    join    you    from    the 

roac 

southward. 

E 

You  are  then  to  proceed 

gres 

to  Manchester,  where  you 

are 

take  post  so  as  to  secure  the 

» 

in  t 

Appendix. 


279 


pass  of  the  mountains  on 
the  road  from  Manchester 
to  Rockingham  ;  hence  you 
will  detach  the  Indians  and 
light  troops  to  the  north- 
ward, toward  Otter  creek. 
On  their  return,  and  also 
receiving  intelligence  that 
no  enemy  is  in  force  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Rockingham^ 
(i)  you  will  proceed  by  the 
road  over  the  mountains  to 
Rockingham,  where  you 
will  take  post.  This  will 
he  the  most  distant  part  on 
the  expedition.  (2) 

You  are  to  remain  there 


(i)    upon    the    Connec- 
ticut river. 


(2)    And    must   be    pro- 
ceeded upon   with  caution, 


as  long  as  necessary  to  fulfill     as  you  will  have  the  defile 
the  intentio)  of  the  expedition     of   the    mountains     behind 


from  thence^  (3)  and  you  are 
afterwards  to  descend  by 
the  Connecticut  river  to  Brat- 
tlebury,  and  from  that  place, 
by  the  quickest  march,  you 
are  to  return  by  the  great 
road  to  Albany. 

During  your  whole  pro- 
gress, your  detachments 
are  to  have  orders  to  bring 
in  to   vou  all   horses  fit   to 


you,  which  might  make  a 
retreat  difficult ;  you  must 
therefore  endeavor  to  be 
well  informed  of  the  force 
of  the  enemy's  militia  in 
the  neighboring  country. 

Should  you  find  it  may 
with  prudence  be  effected. 

(3)  while  the  Indians  and 
light  troops  are  detached 
up  the  river. 


28o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgcyne, 


mount  the  dragoons  under 
your  command,  or  to  serve 
as  bat  horses  to  the  troops, 
they  are  likewise  to  bring  in 
(4)  saddles  and  bridles  as 
can  be  found.  (5) 

Your  parties  are  likewise 
to  bring  in  wagons  and 
other  convenient  carriages, 
with  as  many  draft  oxen  as 
will  be  necessary  to  draw 
them,  and  all  cattle  fit  for 
slaughter  (milch  cows  ex- 
cepted), which  are  to  be 
left  for  the  use  of  the  in- 
habitants. Regular  receipts, 
in  the  form  hereto  sub- 
joined, are  to  be  given,  in 
all  places  where  any  of  the 
above  mentioned  articles 
are  taken,  to  such  persons 
as  have  remained  in  their 
habitations,  and  otherwise 
complied  with  the  terms  of 
General  Buryoyne's  mani- 
festo ;  but  no  receipts  to 
be  given  to  such  as  are 
known  to  be  acting  in  the 
service  of  the  rebels.  (6) 


(4)  together  with  as  many. 

(5)  The  number  of  horses 
requisite,  besides  those  ne- 
cessary for  mounting  the 
regiments  of  dragoons, 
ought  to  be  1300.  If  you 
can  bring  more  for  the  use 
of  the  army,  it  will  be  so 
much  the  better. 


(6)  As  you  will  have  with 
you  persons    perfectly   ac- 


cyne. 


Appendix. 


281 


with  as  many, 
nber  of  horses 
des  those  ne- 
nounting  the 
f  dragoons, 
300.  If  you 
:e  for  the  use 
it  will  be  so 
ter. 


will  have  with 
perfectly    ac- 


quainted with  the  abilities  of 
the  country,  it  may  perhaps 
be  advisable  to  tax  the  seve- 
ral districts,  with  the  por- 
tions of  the  several  articles, 
and  limit  the  hours  for  their 
delivery  ;  and,  should  you 
find  it  necessary  to  move 
before  such  delivery  can  be 
made,  hostages  of  the  most 
respectable  people  should 
be  taken,  to  secure  their 
following  you  the  ensuing 
day.  All  possible  means 
are  to  be  used  to  prevent 
plundering. 

As  it  is  probable  that 
Captain  Sherwood,  who  is 
already  detached  to  the 
southward  and  will  join  you 
at  Arlington,  will  drive  in 
a  considerable  quantity  of 
cattle  and  horses  to  you, 
you  will  therefore  send  in 
this  cattle  to  the  army,  with 
a  proper  detachment  from 
Peters's  corps  to  cover  them, 
in  order  to  disincumber 
yourself;  but  you  must  al- 
ways keep  the  regiments  of 
dragoons  compact. 


282      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

The  dragoons  themselves 
must  ride,  and  take  care  of 
the  horses  of  the  regiment. 
Those  horses  which  are  de- 
stined for  the  use  of  the  army 
must  be  tied  together  by 
strings  of  ten  each,  in 
order  that  one  man  may 
lead  ten  horses.  You  will 
give  the  unarmed  men  of 
Peters's  corps  to  conduct 
them,  and  inhabitants  whom 
you  can  trust.  You  must 
always  take  your  camps  in 
good  position  ;  but  at  the 
same  time  where  there  is 
pasture  ;  and  you  must  have 
a  chain  of  seininels  round 
your  cattle  and  horses  when 
grazing. 

Colonel  Skeene  will  be 
with  you  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, in  order  to  assist  you 
with  his  advice,  to  help  you 
to  distinguish  the  good  sub- 
jects from  the  bad,  to  pro- 
cure you  the  best  intelli- 
gence of  the  enemy,  and  to 
choose  those  people  who 
are  to  bring  me  the  accounts 


irgoyne. 

Donsthemsfelves 
nd  take  care  of 
f  the  regiment. 
2S  which  are  de- 
;use  of  the  army 
ed  together  by 

ten  each,  in 
one  man  may 
ses.  You  will 
armed  men  of 
ps  to  conduct 
habitants  whom 
It.     You   must 

your  camps  in 
in  ;  but  at  the 
where  there  is 
I  you  must  have 
jeininels  round 
nd  horses  when 

^keene  will  be 
much  as  pos- 
er to  assist  you 
ice,  to  help  you 
1  the  good  sub- 
le  bad,  to  pro- 
le  best  intelli- 
enemy,  and  to 
e  people  who 
[le  the  accounts 


Appendix. 


28  J 


You  will  use  all  possible 
means  to  make  the  country 
believe  that  the  troops  under 
your  command  are  the  ad- 
vanced corps  of  the  army, 
and  that  it  is  intended  to 
pass  the  Connecticut  on  the 
road  to  Boston.  You  will 
likewise  have  it  insinuated^ 


of  your  progress  and  suc- 


cess. 


Wh 


en  you 


find 


It  neces- 


sa 


ry  to  halt  for  a  day  or 
two,  you  must  always  en- 
trench the  camp  of  the 
regiment  of  dragoons,  in 
order  never  to  risk  an  at- 
tack or  affront  from  the 
enemy. 

As  you  will  return  with 
the  regiment  of  dragoons 
mounted,  you  must  always 
have  a  detachment  of  Cap- 
tain Eraser's  or  Peters's 
corps  in  front  of  the  col- 
umn, and  the  same  in  the 
rear,  in  order  to  prevent 
your  falling  into  ar.  ambus- 
cade when  you  march 
throug.i  the  woods. 


284      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


(7)  that  the  main  army  from     (7)  insinuate, 
Albany  is  to   be  joined  at 
Springfield    by  a    corps   of 
troops  from  Rhode  island. 

Tou  will  send  off  occa- 
sionally cattle  or  carriages^  to 
prevent  being  too  much  in- 
cumbered ;  and  will  give  me 
as  frequent  intelligence  of 
your  situation  as  possible. 

It  is  highly  probable  that 
the  corps  under  Mr.  War- 
ner, now  supposed  to  be  at 
Manchester,  will  retreat 
before  you  ;  but,  should 
they,  contrary  to  expecta- 
tion, be  able  to  collect  in 
great  force,  and  post  them- 
selves advantageously,  it  is 
left  to  your  discretion  to 
attack  them  or  not  ;  always 
bearing  in  mind,  that  your 
corps  is  too  valuable  to  let 
any  considerable  loss  be 
hazarded  on  this  occasion. 

Should  any  corps  be 
moved  from  Mr.  Arnold's 
main  army,  in  order  to  in- 
tercept your  retreat,  you 
are  to  take  as  strong  a  post 


jf- 


Appendix. 


285 


as  the  country  will  afford, 
and  send  the  quickest  in- 
telligence to  me  ;  and  you 
may  depend  on  my  making 
such  a  movement  as  shall 
put  the  enemy  between  two 
fires,  or  otherwise  effect- 
ually sustain  you.    ' 

It  is  imagined  the  pro- 
gress of  the  whole  of  this 
expedition  may  be  effected 
in  about  a  fortnight  ;  but 
every  movement  of  it  must 
depend  upon  your  success 
in  obtaining  such  supply  of 
provisions  as  will  enable 
you  to  subsist  till  your  re- 
turn to  the  army,  in  case 
you  can  get  no  more.  (8) 

All  persons  acting  in 
committees,  or  any  officers 
acting  under  the  directions 
of  congress,  either  civil  or 
military,  are  to  be  made 
prisoners. 


(8)  And,  should  not  the 
army  be  able  to  reach 
Albany  before  your  expe- 
dition should  be  completed, 
I  will  find  means  to  send  you 
notice  of  it,  and  give  your 
route  another  directi'>n. 


25 


2  86      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


Narrativk  of  a  Participitatok  in  thk  Battle  oi 

Bennington. 

Brooklyn,  September  27,  1866. 

Wm.  L.  Stone,  Esc^, 

My  Dear  Sir  :  The  following  narrative  was  com- 
municated to  me  in  1828,  by  Mr.  Stafford  of  Albany, 
the  son  of  an  American  captain,  who  was  in  the  battle 
oi*  Bennington.  I  send  you  herewith  my  original  notes 
of  the  conversation,  taken  down  at  the  time  from  the 
lips  of  the  narrator,  which  you  may  cheerfully  make  use 
of  (if  you  so  desire),  in  your  forthcoming  translation. 

Respectfully  yoi'rs, 
Theodore  Dwight. 

"  My  father  lived  in  the  western  part  of  Massachusetts, 
and  when  Colonel  Warner  called  upon  the  militia  to 
come  out  and  defend  the  public  stores  at  Beimington,  he 
set  off  at  once  with  many  of  his  neighbors,  and  hurried 
his  march.  He  was  well  known  to  his  townsmen  ;  and 
so  much  esteemed,  that  the  best  men  were  ready  to  go 
with  him  ;  many  of  them  pious  people,  long  members 
of  the  church,  and  among  them  young  and  old,  and  of 
different  conditions. 

"  When  they  reached  the  ground,  thev  found  the  Hes 
sians  posted  in  a  line  ;  and  on  a  spot  of  high  ground,  a 
small  redoubt  was  seen  formed  of  earth  just  thrown  up, 
where  they  understood  a  body  of  loyalists  or  Provincial 
troops,  that  is,  tories,  was  stationed.  Colonel  Warner 
hac'  command  under  General  Stark  ;  and  it  is  generally 


lit 


^oyne. 


IK   HaTTI.K  C)1 

r  27,  1866. 

ive  was  coni- 
rd  of  Albany, 
s  in  the  battle 
original  notes 
time  from  the 
fully  make  use 
translation. 
r  yovrs, 
LE  DWIGHT. 

Massachusetts, 
the  militia  to 
Bennington,  he 
•rs,  and  hurried 
Dwnsmen  ;  and 
sre  ready  to  go 
long  members  I 
ind  old,  and  of 

found  the  Hes 
high  ground,  a 
just  thrown  up, 
s  or  Provincial 
I!olonel  Warner 
d  it  is  generally 


Appendix, 


287 


thought  that  he  had  more  to  do  than  h's  superior  in  the 
business  of  the  dav.  He  was  held  in  high  regard  by  the 
Massachusetts  people  \  and  my  father  soon  reported  him- 
self to  him,  and  told  him  lie  awaited  his  orders.  He  was 
soon  assigned  a  place  in  the  line,  and  the  tory  fort  was 
pointed  out  as  his  particular  object  of  attack. 

"When  making  arrangements  to  march  out  his  men, 
my  father  turned  to  a  tall,  athletic  man,  one  of  the  most 
vigorous  of  the  band,  and  remarkable  for  size  and  strength 
among  his  neighbors.  *  I  am  glad,'  said  he,  '  to  see 
you  among  us.  You  did  not  march  with  the  compar  ; 
but,  I  suppose,  you  are  anxious  for  the  business  of  the 
day  to  begin.'  This  v^as  said  in  the  hearing  of  the  rest, 
and  attracted  their  attention  My  father  was  surprised 
and  mortified,  on  observing  the  man's  face  turn  pale,  and 
his  limbs  tremble.  With  a  faltering  voice,  he  replied  : 
'  Oh  no,  sir,  I  didn't  come  to  fight,  I  only  came  to  drive 
b^ck  the  horses  !'  '  I  am  glad,'  said  my  father,  '  to 
find  out  we  have  a  coward  among  us,  before  we  go  into 
battle.  Stand  back,  and  do  not  show  yourself  here  any 
longer.' 

'^  This  occurrence  gave  my  father  great  regret,  and  he 
repented  having  spoken  to  the  man  in  the  presence  of 
his  company.  The  countrv  you  know,  was  at  that  time 
in  a  very  critical  state.  General  Burgoyne  had  come 
down  from  Canada  with  an  army,  which  had  driven  all 
the  American  troops  before  it  ;  Crown  point  and  Ticon- 
deroga,  the  fortresses  of  Lake  Champlain,  in  which  the 
northern  people  placed  such  confidence,  had  been  deserted 
at  his  approach  ;  and  the  army  had  disgraced  itself  by  a 


288      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


panic  retreat,  without  fighting  a  battle,  while   Burgovnc 
was  publishing  boastful   and  threatening  proclamations, 
which  frightened  many,  and  induced  some  to  declare  for 
the  king.     Just  at  such  a  time,  when  so  many  bad  exam- 
ples were  set,  and   there  were  so  many  dangers  to  drive 
others  to  follow,  it  was  a  sad  thing  to  see  a  hale,  hearty, 
tall  man  shake  and  tremble  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy, 
as  we  were  just  going  to  fight  them.      However,  an  oc- 
currence happened,  fortunately,  to  take  place  immedi.itely 
after,  which  made  amends.     There  was  an  aged  and  ex- 
cellent old  man    present,  of  u  slender  frame,  stooping   a 
little  with  adv.inced  age  and  hard  work,  with  a  wrinkled 
face,  and  well  known  as  one  of  the  oldest  persons  in  our 
town,  and    the  oldest   on   the  ground.      My  father  was 
struck  with   regard  for  his  aged  frame,  and  much  as  he 
felt  numbers  to  be  desirable   in  the  impending  struggle, 
he  felt  a  great  reluctance  at  the  thought  of  leading  him 
into  it.       He  therefore  turned  to  him,  and  said:   'The 
labors   of  the  day    threaten  to    be  severe,  it  is  therefore 
my  particular  request,    that  you  will    take  your   post   -.is 
sentinel  yonder,  and  keep  charge  of  the  baggage.'      7   le 
old  man  stepped  forward  with  an  unexpected  spring,  his 
face  was  lighted  with  a  smile,  and  pulling  off  his  hat,  in 
the  excitement  of  his  spirit,  half  affecting  the  gayety  of 
a  youth,  whilst   his   loose  hair    shone  as  white  as   silver, 
he  briskly  replied  :   '  Not   till    I've  had   a    shot  at    them 
first,  captain,  if  you   please.'      All   thoughts  were   now 
directed   towards  the  enemy's    line  ;  and    the  company, 
partaking  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  old   man,  gave  three 
cheers.      My  father  was  set  at  ease  again  in  a  moment ; 


\ 


■oyne, 

ile   Burgoync 
roclamatioiis, 
to  declare  for 
nv  bad  exam- 
igt^rs  to  drive 
I  hale,  hearty, 
of  the  enemy, 
wever,  an  oc- 
e  immediately 
I  ao;ed  and  ex- 
le,  stooping   a 
ith  a  wrinkled 
persons  in  our 
Vly  father  was 
\d  much  as  he 
iding  struggle, 
of  leading  him 
d  said  :   'The 
it  is  therefore 
your   post    .is 
gage.'      1   ie 
ted  spring,  his 
off  his  hat,  in 
the  gayety  ot 
hite  as    silver, 
shot  at    them 
hts  were   now 
the  company, 
an,  gave  three 
in  a  moment ; 


Appendix. 


289 


12 


and  orders  being  soon  brought  to  advance,  he  placed 
himself  at  their  head,  and  gave  the  word  :  '  Forward, 
march  !' 

"  He  had  observed  some  irregularity  in  the  ground  before 
them,  which  he  had  thought  might  favor  his  approach  -, 
and  he  soon  discovered  that  a  small  ravine,  which  they 
soon  entered,  would  cover  his  determined  little  band 
from  the  shot  of  the  enemy,  and  even  from  their  ob- 
servation, at  least  for  some  distance.  He  pursued  its 
course  ;  jut  was  so  far  disappointed  in  his  expectations, 
that,  instead  of  terminating  at  a  distance  from  the  enemy's 
line,  on  emerging  from  it,  and  looking  about  to  see 
where  he  was,  he  found  the  fresh  embankment  of  the 
tory  fort  just  above  him,  and  the  heads  of  the  torics 
peeping  over,  with  their  guns  leveled  at  him.  Turning 
to  call  on  his  men,  he  was  surprised  to  find  himself  flat 
on  the  ground  without  knowing  why  ;  for  the  enemy 
had  fired,  and  a  ball  had  gone  through  his  foot  into  the 
ground,  cutting  some  of  the  sinews  just  as  he  was  step- 
ping on  it,  so  as  to  bring  him  down.  At  the  same  time, 
the  shock  had  deafened  him  to  the  report  of  the  muskets. 

The  foremost  of  his  soldiers  ran  up  and  stooped  to 
take  him  in  their  arms,  believinu!;  him  to  be  dead  or 
mortally  wounded  ;  but  he  was  too  cjuick  for  them,  and 
sprang  on  his  feet,  glad  to  find  he  was  not  seriously 
hurt,  and  was  able  to  stand.  He  feared  that  his  fall 
might  check  his  followers  ;  and,  as  he  caught  a  glimpse 
fa  man  in  a  red  coat  runnin<i  across  a  distant   field,  he 


0 


cried    out,    '  Come  on,    mv    boys  !    They    run  !    They 
run  !  '     So  saying,  he  sprang  up,    and  clambering  to  the 


290      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

top  of  the  fort,  while  the  enemy  were  hurrying  their 
powder  into  the  pans  and  the  muzzles  of  their  pieces, 
his  men  rushed  on  shouting  and  firing,  and  jumping  over 
the  breastworks,  and  pushing  upon  the  defenders  so 
closely,  that  they  threw  themselves  over  the  opposite 
wall,  and  ran  down  the  hill  as  fast  as  their  legs  would 
carry  them. 

"  Those  raw  soldiers,  as  most  of  them  were,  vvere  ready 
to  laugh  at  themselves,  when  they  turned  round  and  saw 
themselves,  their  new  position,  masters  of  a  little  fort 
which  their  enemies  had  been  hard  at  work  to  construct, 
they  knew  not  how  long  ;  but  out  of  which  they  had  so 
easilv  been  set  a  scampering,  merely  because  they  had 
shown  some  resolution  and  haste  in  assaulting  it. 

"The  result  of  the  day's  battle  is  well  known.  The 
Hessians  and  other  troops  with  them,  suffered  a  total 
defeat  ;  and  not  only  were  the  stores  at  Bennington  pro- 
tected and  saved,  and  the  army  of  Burgoyne  weakened 
by  the  loss  of  a  considerable  body  of  troops,  but  the 
spirits  of  the  people  greatly  encouraged,  and  the  hope 
of  final  success  revived.  From  that  time  there  was  less 
difficulty  found  in  collecting  troops  ;  and  the  recruiting 
of  our  army  at  Bemis's  heights,  or  Saratoga,  as  it  is  often 
called,  was  more  easily  effected. 

"  It  so  happened  that  many  years  after  the  close  of  the 
war,  and  when  I  heard  my  father  tell  this  story  many 
times  over,  I  became  acquainted  with  an  old  townsman 
of  his,  who  was  a  loyalist,  and  took  an  active  part  as  a 
soldier  in  the  service  of  King  George  ;  and  he  t(;ld  mc 
a  story  of  the  battle  of  Bennington  which  1  think  you 
would  like  to  hear. 


oyne, 

urrying  their 
their  pieces, 

jumping  over 

defenders  so 
the  opposite 

ir    legs  would 

re,  were  ready 
ound  and  saw 
if  a  little  fort 
:  to  construct, 
h  they  had  so 
ause  they  had 
ting  it. 

known.     The 
Uffered  a  total 
nnington  pro- 
ne weakened 
oops,  but  the 
and  the  hope 
here  was  less 
the  recruiting 
a,  as  it  is  often 

le  close  of  the 
lis  story  manv 
Id  townsman 
ctive  part  as  a 
nd  he  tuld  mc 
h  1   think  you 


Appendix, 


2QI 


0 


Story  told  by  one  whc 


the  Ton  Fort. 


was 

"  1  lived  not  tar  from  the  western  borders  of  Massa- 
chusetts when  the  war  began,  and  knew  your  father  verv 
well.  Believing  that  I  owed  duty  to  my  king,  I  became 
known  as  a  loyalist,  or,  as  they  called  me,  a  tory  ;  and 
soon  found  my  situation  rather  unpleasant.  I  therefo: -^ 
left  home,  and  soon  got  among  the  British  troops  who 
were  come  down  with  Burgoyne,  to  restore  the  country 
to  peace,  as  I  thought.  When  the  Hessians  were  sent 
to  take  the  military  stores  at  Bennington,  I  went  with 
them  ;  and  took  my  station  with  some  of  the  other 
loyalists  in  a  redoubt  or  small  fort  in  the  line.  We  were 
all  ready  when  we  saw  the  rebels  coming  to  attack  us  ; 
and  were  on  such  a  hill  and  behind  such  a  high  bank, 
that  we  felt  perfectly  safe,  and  thought  we  could  kill  any 
body  of  troops  they  would  send  against  us,  before  they 
could  reach  the  place  we  stood  upon.  We  had  not  ex- 
pected, however,  that  they  would  approach  us  under 
cover  ;  but  supposed  we  should  see  them  on  the  way. 
We  did  not  know  that  a  little  gully  which  lay  below  us, 
was  long  and  deep  enough  to  conceal  them,  but  they 
knew  the  ground,  and  the  iirst  we  SaW  of  the  party 
coming  to  attack  us,  they  made  their  appearance  right 
under  our  guns.      Your  father  was  at  the  head  of  them. 


un 


I  was  standing  at  the  wall  at  the  time,  witli  my  g 
loaded  in  my  hand  -,  and  several  of  us  Icvcle  1  our  pieces 
at  once.  I  took  as  fair  aim  at  them  as  I  ever  did  at  a 
bird  !"",  my  life,  and  thought  I  was  sure  them  ;  though 
we  had  to  point  so  much  downwards,  that  it  made  a  man 
hut  a  small  murk.     We  fired   together,  and   he  fell.      1 


292      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


VIA 


thought  he  was  dead  to  a  certainty  ;  but  to  our  surprise 
he  was  on  his  feet  again  in  an  instant,  and  they  all  came 
junjping  into  the  midst  of  us,  with  such  a  noise,  that  we 
thought  of  nothing  but  getting  out  of  the  way  of  their 
muskets  as  fast  as  possible,  I  saw  all  my  companions 
were  going  over  the  wall  on  the  other  side,  and  I  went 
too.  We  had  open  fields  before  us,  and  scattered  in  all 
directions,  some  followed  by  our  enemies.  I  ran  some 
distance  with  another  man,  and  lookir  g  around  saw 
several  of  your  father's  soldiers  who  were  coming  after 
us,  level  their  muskets  to  fire  'Ve  had  just  reached  a 
rail  fence,  and  both  of  us  gave  a  jump  at  the  same  instant 
to  go  over  it.  While  I  was  in  the  air  I  heard  the  guns 
go  off.  Wc  reached  the  ground  together,  but  my  com- 
panion fell  and  lav  dead  by  the  fence,  while  I  ran  on 
with  all  my  might,  finding  I  was  not  hurt. 

"I  looked  back,  hoping  to  see  no  one  following,  but  I 
was  frightened  on  discovering  a  tall  rawboned  fellow, 
ruiniino;  like  a  deer,  only  a  short  distance  behind,  and 
gaining  on  me  every  step  he  took.  I  immediately  re- 
flected that  my  gun  was  only  a  useless  burden,  for  it 
was  discharged,  and  had  no  bayonet  ;  and  although  a 
valuable  one,  I  thought  my  only  chance  of  saving  mv 
life,  lay  in  lightening  myself  as  much  as  possible.  I 
therefore  o-ave  my  "-un  a  throw  off  to  one  side,  so  that 
if  my  pursuer  shcuild  choose  to  pick  it  up  he  should  lose 
some  distance  by  it  ;  and  then  without  slackening  my 
speed,  1  tinned  my  head  to  see  how  he  took  the  maneu- 
ver ;  and  fo.uid  he  had  not  only  taken  advantage  of  my 
hint,  and   thrown  away  his  own   gun,  but  was  also  just 


royne. 

0  our  surprise 
they  all  came 
noise,  that  we 
way  of  their 
y  companions 
e,  and  I  went 
cattered  in  all 
I  ran  some 
T   around   saw 
:  coming  after 
just  reached  a 
le  same  instant 
leard  the  guns 
,  but  mv  com- 
/hile   I   ran  on 

jllowing,  hut  I 
boned  fellow, 
e  behind,  and 
nmediately  re- 
lurden,  for  it 
d  although  a 
of  saving  my 
s  possible.  I 
side,  so  that 
he  should  lose 
lackening  my 
k  the  maneu- 
antage  of  my 
was  also  just 


Appendix, 


293 


kicking  ofF  his  shoes.      I  tried  to  throw  ofF  my  own   in 
the  same  way,  but  they  were  fastened  on  with   a  pair  of 
old  fashioned  buckles.      I  strained  myself  to  the  utmost 
to  reach  a  wood  which   lay  a   little  way  before  me,  with 
the  desperate  hope  of  finding  some  way  of  losing  myself 
in   it.      I  ventured  one   look    more  ;  and  was   frightened 
almost  out  of  my  senses  at  finding  the  bare-legged  fellow, 
almost  upon  me,  and  ready  to  gripe,  and  perhaps  strangle 
me  by  main  force.     I  did  not  like  to  stop  and  give  myself 
up  as  a  prisoner  ;   for  I  supposed  he  must  be  in  a  terrible 
passion,  or   he  would  not   have  taken  such  extraordinary 
pains  to  overtake  me  ;   atid   even  if  he  should   spare  my 
life  and  do  me  no  injury,  in  that  solitary  spot,  I  did  not 
know  what  to  expect  from  the  rebels,  as  we  called  them. 
So   I   ran   on,   though    but  an   instant    more  ;   for  I   had 
hardly  turned   my  head  again  before  I  found  the  appear- 
ance of  a  wood  which  I    had  seen  was   only  the  tops  of 
some  trees  growing  on  the  borders  of  Walloomsac  creek, 
u'hich  ran  at  the  foot  of  a  frightful  precipice,  the  edge  of 
which  I  had  reached.      I  felt  as  if  it  were  almost  certain 
death  to  go  farther  ;  but  I  had  such  a  dread  of  my  pur- 
suer, that  I  set  but  lightly  by  my  danger,  and  instead  of 
stopping  on   the   brink,  I  ran  right  off,  without  waiting 
even  to  see  where  I  was  going.    ' 

''  I  fell  like  a  stone,  and  the  next  instant  struck  on  my 
feet  in  soft  mud,  with  a  loud,  spatting  noise,  which  I 
heard  repeated  close  by  me.  Spat  !  spat  !  for  down 
came  the  fierce  fellow  after  me,  and  struck  close  by  me 
in  the  wet  clay,  by  the  edge  of  the  water.  I  looked  at 
him  with  perfect  dismay  ;  for  what  could  I  do  then  .''    I 


294      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


had  sunk  into  the  mud  up  to  my  knees,  and  was  entirely 
unarmed.  It  was  some  relief  to  see,  that  he  had  no 
pistol  to  shoot  me,  and  was  not  quite  near  enough  to 
reach  me.  He,  however,  was  beginning  to  struggle  to 
get  his  legs  out,  and  I  expected  to  see  him  free  and 
springing  upon  me  in  a  moment  more.  I  struggled  too, 
but  found  it  was  no  easy  work  to  extricate  myself,  and 
began  to  think,  that  it  would  probably  be  as  bad  for  him. 
This  encouraged  me  to  try  with  all  my  might  ;  and  I 
thought  I  found  my  neighbor  was  much  slower  in  getting 
out  than  I  had  feared.  Indeed  I  could  not  perceive,  for 
some  time,  that  either  of  us  made  any  advances,  although 
we  had  wasted  almost  all  our  remaining  strength.  I 
now  emarked,  that  my  enemy  was  standing  much 
deeper  in  the  mud  than  myself.  Oh,  thought  I,  the 
fellow  was  barefooted  ;  that  is  the  reason  :  the  soles  of 
my  shoes  had  prevented  me  from  sinking  quite  so  deep  ; 
there  is  a  good  chance  of  my  getting  out  before  him. 
Still  neither  of  us  spoke  a  word.  So  I  struggled  again 
most  violently  ;  but  the  straps  of  my  shoes  were  bound 
tight  across  my  ancles,  and  held  them  to  my  feet,  while 
I  felt  that  I  had  not  strength  enough  to  draw  them  out. 
This  made  me  desperate  •,  and  I  made  another  effort, 
when  the  straps  gave  way,  and  I  easily  drew  out  one 
bare  foot,  and  placed  it  on  the  top  of  the  ground.  With 
the  greatest  satisfaction  I  found  the  other  slipping 
smoothly  up  through  the  clay  ;  and,  without  waiting  to 
regret  my  shoe  buckles  (which  were  of  solid  silver),  or 
to  exchange  a  blow  or  a  word  with  my  enemy,  whom  I 
was  still  dreadfully  afraid  of,  I  ran  down  the  shore  of  the 
brook,  as  fast  as  my  legs  could  carry  me. 


\oyne. 

1  was  entirely 
t    he  had    no 
ar  enough  to 
to  struggle  to 
him  free  and 
struggled  too, 
e  myself,  and 
Lsbad  for  him 
might ;   and  I 
Dwer  in  getting 
)t  perceive,  for 
nces,  although 
y  strength.     I 
tanding    much 
thought  I,  the 
I  :  the  soles  of 
quite  so  deep  •, 
t   before  him. 
truggled  again 
ss  were  bound 
my  feet,  while 
raw  them  out. 
another  effort, 
drew   out  one 
round.     With 
other    slipping 
out  waiting  to 
solid  silver),  or 
nemy,  whom  1 
he  shore  of  the 


Appendix, 


295 


''  A  man  who  has  never  been  frightened  as  I  was,  with 
the  expectation  of  instant  death,  cannot  easily  imagine 
how  far  he  will  run,  or  how  much  he  can  do,  to  get  out 
of  danger.  I  thought  for  some  time,  that  my  long- 
legged  enemy  was  coming,  and  ran  on,  afraid  almost  to 
look  behind  me.  But  he  did  not  come  ;  and  I  never 
saw  or  heard  of  him  again.  How  he  could  have  got 
out,  I  cannot  imagine  ;  and  there  seemed  to  be  no  chance 
of  his  finding  help  very  soon,  so  that  I  think  he  must 
have  spent  the  night  in  that  uncomfortable  condition, 
and  may  have  stayed,  for  aught  I  know,  till  he  starved 
to  death. 

"  However,  my  fears  were  not  dispelled  ;  for  I  knew 
our  wh.^le  detachment  had  been  entirely  routed  •,  Ger- 
mans, Englishmen,  tories,  and  all  ;  and,  as  I  thought 
there  would  be  a  pursuit  by  our  conquerors,  I  expected 
every  moment  to  meet  some  of  them,  with  arms  in  their 
hands.  Indeed,  at  any  moment  I  might  be  discovered 
by  some  of  them,  and  fired  upon  before  I  could  see  them  ; 
so  I  chose  the  most  secret  paths  and  courses  I  could 
find,  keeping  among  the  thickest  trees  and  bushes,  and 
avoiding  every  house  and  sign  of  inhabitants,  under  a 
constant  fear  of  being  dead  or  a  prisoner  the  next  moment. 
Who  can  tell  what  I  suffered  in  that  one  day  ?  I  had 
been  delivered  from  the  imminent  danger  of  musket 
balls,  bayonets,  the  close  pursuit  of  a  rancorous  enemy, 
a  leap  from  a  precipice  and  a  long  and  most  fatiguing  run 
through  a  wild  and  unknown  region,  traversed,  as  1  pre- 
sumed, by  many  men  thirsting  for  my  blood.  Night 
was   now   approaching,  and  I  felt  almost   faint  with  the 


296       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


1 


want  of  food  as  well  as  weariness.  But  I  soon  reached 
a  region  which  1  began  to  recognize  as  one  I  had  before 
seen  ;  and,  knowing  that  the  house  of  my  brother-in-law 
was  not  far  distant,  I  determined  to  visit  it,  and  get  such 
food  and  clothes  as  I  now  greatly  needed.  On  second 
thoughts  I  concluded  thai  I  might  be  in  danger  even 
there.  There  might  be  a  party  of  my  enemies  in  the 
neighborhood,  if  not  in  possession  of  the  house  ;  for  in 
such  times,  in  a  region  overrun  by  war,  one  par:y  often 
occupies  a  positio»^  one  day  or  one  hour  which  they 
give  up  to  their  enemies  the  next.  I  therefore  deter- 
mined to  proceed  with  great  caution  ;  and,  although  1 
soon  came  in  sight  of  the  house,  and  was  suffering  greatly 
from  the  want  of  rest  and  refreshment,  1  concealed  my- 
self, and  watched  the  neighborhood  as  long  as  I  could 
see,  and  then,  after  remaining  quiet  till  late  in  the  night, 
stole  out  softly,  and  walked  round  the  house,  listening 
carefully,  and  scrutinizing  everything,  to  discover  traces 
of  any  change  unfavorable  to  my  wishes. 

"  Finding  no  signs  of  danger,  I  at  length  mustered  up 
courage  and  enteied  the  house,  where  I  found  the  family 
had  not  all  retired  to  rest  ;  and  was  very  glad  to  see  my 
sister  coming  towards  me  with  an  air  of  unconcern, 
which  showed  the  household  had  not  been  disturbed. 
When  she  approached  me,  however,  she  addressed  me  as 
a  stranger  ;  and  then,  for  the  first  time,  I  began  to  think 
of  my  appearance.  There  had  been  powder  enough 
burnt  in  the  fort  to  blacken  my  face  as  dark  as  an  In- 
dian's and  the  perspiration  which  had  started  out  during 
my  races  had  washed  it  partly  off"  in  streaks,  so  that  the 


exp 

At  1 
mail 
muc 

as  S( 

mea 

stroi 

but  '. 

seerr 

war. 

and  ' 

Bern 

more 

bran( 

fort, 

enem 

battle 

tion 

soon 

thick 

myse 


'goyne. 

[  soon  reached 
e  I  had  before 
brother-in-law 
:,  and  get  such 
On  second 
\  danger  even 
memies  in  the 
house  ;  for  in 
)ne  par:y  often 
ir  which  they 
lerefore  deter- 
nd,  although  1 
uftering  greatly 
concealed  my- 
onz  as  I  could 
:e  in  the  night, 
ouse,  listening 
discover  traces 

th  mustered  up 
)und  the  family 
^lad  to  see  my 
of  unconcern, 
een  disturbed, 
ddressed  me  as 
beo;an  to  think 
owder  enough 
dark  as  an  In- 
•ted  out  during 
iks,  so  that  the 


Appendix, 


297 


expression  of  my  countenance  was  strangely  altered. 
At  the  same  time  1  was  without  a  coat,  and  my  few  re- 
maining garments  we  e  torn  by  thorns  and  spattered  with 
mud. 

"  I  was  treated  with  the  utmost  kindness  by  my  sister 
as  soon  as  she  recognized  me ,  and,  after  eating  a  good 
meal,  and  taking  a  long  night's  rest,  I  felt  quite  well  and 
strong.  She  kept  me  as  long  as  I  was  willing  to  stay  ; 
but  I  did  not  feel  safe  out  of  the  army,  which  then 
seemed  sure  of  soon  reaching  Albany  and 'finishing  the 
war.  I  soon  set  oft'  on  foot,  reaching  Burgoyne's  lines, 
and  was  placed  in  the  tory  fort  on  the  eastern  brow  of 
Bemis's  heights.  There  I  thought  myself  safe  once 
more.  The  abatis,  formed  of  rough  trees,  with  their 
branches  on,  which  had  been  laid  on  the  sides  of  the 
fort,  appeared  absolutely  impassable  by  any  body  of  the 
enemy.  But  in  this  I  was  disappointed  ;  for,  when  the 
battle  came  on,  the  Yankees  rushed  upon  our  fortifica- 
tion with  impetuosity,  and  in  such  numbers  that  they 
soon  covered  the  ground  and  trees,  that  they  were  as 
thick  as  the  hair  on  a  dog.  Again  I  was  glad  to  save 
myself  by  a  rapid  retreat." 


26 


2()H      Campaign  of  General  "John  Burgoyne. 


■'Ski 


"V. 


Dfscription  of  St.  Luke's  Bridcje,  and  of  the  at- 
tempt TO  BURN  IT  ON  THE  APPROACH  OF   BaUM. 

"  12  Clinton  Place,  New  York, 

25/^  July,  1877. 
*'  Wm.  L.  Stone, 

"  My  Dear  Sir  :  Since  my  last  visit  to  your  house,  when 
an  interesting  conversation  was  had  upon  the  subject  uf 
Bennington  battle,  I  have  looked  more  fully  into  the  ac- 
count of  the  same,  as  contained  in  your  "  Memoirs  etc., 
of"  Maj.  Gen.  Reidesel."  My  long  residence  in  the 
vicinity  of  that  now  famous  battle-field,  and  my  persona! 
acquaintance  with  many  of  the  men  engaged  in  the 
Hght,  gives  me  especial  interest  in  the  story  as  told  in 
your  book. 

"  On  page  121, 1  find  an  allusion  to  the  '  bridge  tf  St, 
Luke.''     This  bridge  is  a  very   familiar  object  to  me.     1 
used  to  go  to  mill  there  when  1  was  a  boy.     In  '77  it's 
name    may   have    been    St.    Luke's;    but    in    18 15   it's 
name  was  Van  Schaick,  from  the  little  Dutch  village  on 
the  margin  of  Hoosick  river,  a  short  distance  below  the 
bridge.     It  spanned  the  stream  then  called  Little  White  I 
creek,  a  few  rods   above  its   debouch  into  Walloomsac 
(or    Bennington)    river.     The   three   streams — White! 
creek,  Walloomsac  and  Hoosick  —  unite  near  this  bridge, 
The  road  passing  over  the  bridge,  was  the  great  marh\\ 
road,  leading  to  the  North  river,  Albany,  Halfmoon,  etc 
A  branch   road   led  ofF  in  a  northwesterly  direction  tcl 
Cambridge,  Batten  kil,  Fort  Edward,  etc. 

''  At  the  point  where  the  bridge  spans  the  creek,  iherel 


'goyne, 

ID  OF  THE  AT- 

\  OF  Baum. 

t<EW  York, 
'  July,  1877- 

»ur  house,  when 
1  the  subject  of 
lly  into  the  ac- 
''  Memoirs  etc., 
esidence  in  the 
and  my  personal 
engaged  in  the 
story  as  told  in 

he  '  bridge  of  St. 
bject  to  me.     1 
boy.     In  '77  it's 
)ut    in    1815  it's 
Dutch  village  on 
tance  below  the 
led  Little  White 
nto  Walloomsacj 
treams —  Whitej 
e  near  this  bridge, 
the  great  marbi\ 
y,  Halfmoon,  etc 
terly  direction  to| 

etc. 

s  the  creek,  there! 


Appendix. 


299 


is  a  deep.^  narrow  ra\  inc,  extending  for  a  considerable 
distance  both  above  and  below  the  bridge.  Hence  the 
bridge  was  important,  indeed  it  was  indispensable  to 
Haum's  marching  army.  It  was  a  wooden  bridge,  covered 
with  loose  plank,  not  very  long  but  very  high, 

^^  A  little  skirmishingadventure  occurred  at  this  bridge, 
the  circumstances  of  which  were  as  follows  : 

"  On  the  15th  of  August,  '77,  the  day  previous  to 
Bennington  battle,  a  small  scouting  partv  fr9ni  the 
American  camp,  or  to  speak  more  truly,  a  party  of  vol- 
unteer scouts  from  the  country  near  Bennington,  were 
exploring  the  country  along  the  road  towards  Cambridge. 
They  were  met  and  driven  back  by  Col.  Baum's  ad- 
vancing troops.  Some  of  the  party  were  taken  prisoners. 
But  most  of  them  escaped.  Being  on  foot  and  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  country,  they  took  to  the  fields  and 
made  a  safe  retreat  to  Bennington,  ready  for  the  battle 
next  day.  On  their  way  home  they  were  obliged  to 
pass  over  St.  Luke's  (Van  Schaick's)  bridge,  crossing 
the  stream  — Little  White  creek,  near  its  termination  in 
the  Walloomsac  river. 

"  As  our  Yankee  boys  were  crossii'ig  the  bridge,  thev 
wished  they  could  destroy  it  to  embarrass  the  invading 
foe  \  but  they  did  not  dare  stop  to  do  it  because  British 
guns  were  close  to  their  heels,  and  they  hurried  forward. 
At  this  critical  juncture,  one  man  more  heroic  than  the 
rest,  Eleazur  Edgerton,  declared  that  the  bridge  ought  to 
be  destroyed,  and  he  would  go  back  and  burn  it,  if  any 
one  would  join  him.  Two  of  his  associates  volunteered. 
Those  three  returned,  threw  the  plank  ofF  into  the  chasm 


joo      Campaign  of  General  John  Bur^oyne. 


below  and  set  fire  to  the  timbers.  Wh'lst  they  were 
doing  this  heroic  work,  Ikitish  balls  were  whizzing  about 
their  ears  ;  but  all  three  safely  escaped,  and  soon  rejoined 
their  more  discreet  coniparuons.  I  have  ever  esteemed 
this  daring  teat  as  one  of  the  heroic  acts  of  those  trying 
times. 

^' The  inspiring  leader  of  this  patriotic  trio,  Eleazur 
Edgerton,  resided  in  the  town  of  Bennington,  where  he 
spent-his  after  life.  He  was  a  man  quite  above  the  medium 
size,  very  strong  and  athletic,  devoting  his  energies  to 
peaceful  and  useful  pursuits.  He  was  a  farmer  and  a 
carpenter.  He  had  peculiar  characteristic^  that  gave  him 
a  distinguished  local  reputation  among  his  neighbors. 
As  a  carpenter  he  was  noted  for  the  mechanical  strength 
of  his  work.  His  neighbors  used  to  call  him  the  strong 
builder^  and  that  the  Green  mountain  winds  had  a  hard 
job  to  blow  down  one  of  Uncle  Lezur's  barns. 

"  He  always  went  bare-headed  and  bare-handed  sum- 
mer and  winter.  This  gave  him  a  very  rough  appear- 
ance.   They  used  to  say  his  face  was  all  made  out  doors. 

"  Notwithstanding  this  rough  exterior,  he  was  a  man  of 
very  gentle  nature,  much  beloved  by  children.  He  was 
the  king  of  children  in  his  neighborhood.  He  often 
visited  them  at  their  homes,  carrying  his  pockets  full  of 
apples  and  other  little  presents.  But  the  special  favor 
that  the  children  liked  the  best,  and  which  they  waitcti 
for  with  the  most  anxiety,  was  his  pocket  full  of  sticks 
and  straws  for  them  to  play  jack  straws. 


hoUi 

lianc 

the 

astoni 

of  oui 

of  eu 

and  V 

of  thi 

soon 

had  ji 

lienni 


(I 


Yours  very  truly, 

"  J.  W.  Richards. 


>> 


joyne. 

'.st  they  were 
t^hizzincr  about 
1  soon  rcjoiiu'tl 
ever  esteemed 
)f  those  trying 

c  trio,  Eiea'/Air 
Tton,  where  he 
3vethe  medium 
his  energies   to 
a  farmer  and   a 
;^that  gave  him 
his   neighbors, 
hanical  strength 
I  him  the  strong 
inds  had  a  hard 
barns, 
ire-handed  sum- 
y  rough   appear- 
made  out  doors, 
he  was  a  man  of 
Idren.      He  was 
ood.      He   often 
is  pockets  full  of 
the  special  favor 
ich  they  waited 
ket  full  of  stick> 

• 

ruly, 

J.  Richards.' 


Appendix. 


301 


Mr.  E.  W.  B.  Canning  of  StockhriJge,  Mass.,  writes 
to  the  author  concerning  the  alarm  through  tlie  county 
as  follows  : 

"  When  I  became  a  citizen  of  the  town  in  1850,  tliere 
were  a  few  persons  still  living  who  reiDembered  the 
memorable  occasion  of  the  alarm  that  pervaded  l^erkshire 
at  the  time  of  the  descent  of  the  British  on  Bennington  ; 
and  1  desire  more  particularly  to  refer  to  it  here  in  oidei' 
to  correct  a  version  of  the  story  by  some  who  have 
wrongly  connected  it  with  the  bittle  of  Lexington. 

"Early  one  Sunday  morning  in  August,  '77,  our  village 
was  startled  by  the  sound  of  three  musket  shots  fiied  in 
succession.  On  looking  out,  there  were  seen  Esq. 
VVoodbridge  —  then  living  in  the  present  residence  ot 
Mr.  Samuel  Lawrence  —  Dea.  Nash,  his  next  neighbor, 
and  Dea.  Edwards,  on  the  street  corner  near  the  latter's 
house —  now  Mrs.  Owens's  —  each  with  a  musket  in  his 
hand.  So  strictly  was  the  day  kept  at  that  time,  that 
the  sight  of  these  men  so  situated  provoked  as  much 
astonishment  as  would  now  the  discovery  of  a  quartette 
ot  our  reverend  clergy  prefacing  divine  service  by  a  game 
of  euchre  over  the  pulpit  cushion.  Something  unusual 
and  very  important  must  be  in  the  wind,  or  these  fathers 
of  the  town  and  church  had  gone  daft.  Matters  were 
soon  explained  to  the  fast  gathering  citizens,  for  a  courier 
had  just  brought  news  that  the  British  were  marching  on 
Bennington,  and  that  every  able-bodied  man  was  needed 
to  repel  the  invasion.  Anon,  forth  came  the  yeoman 
soldiery,  equipped  as  well  as  haste  and  alarm  permitted, 
and   took   their  way  northward  to  the  scene  of  dan2;er. 


302       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


With  this  body  went  Dr.  Oliver  Partridge,  whom  many 
of  us  remember,  and  who  told  me  he  dressed  the  mortal 
wound  of  Col.  Baum,  who  commanded  the  enemy  in 
that  battle.  The  courier,  iiaving  notified  the  above 
named  gentlemen,  pushed  on  down  the  county  to  rouse 
the  lower  towns.  He  arrived  in  New  Marlboro  just  as 
the  minister  had  announced  the  text  of  his  morning  ser- 
mon. The  commander  of  the  minute-men  being  sum- 
moned from  his  pew  and  told  the  news,  forthwith  strode 
up  the  broad  aisle  and,  addressing  the  clergyman,  ex- 
claimed :  '  Mr.  Turner,  the  British  are  at  Bennington, 
and  I  forbid  Sabby-day  !  Minute  men,  turn  out  and 
follow  me  !'  The  militia  of  the  northern  portion  of  tlic 
county  alone  arrived  in  time  to  share  in  the  glory  of  the 
victory,  the  courier  having  been  despatched  by  Gen. 
Stark  on  the  day  before  the  battle,  which  had  aheady 
been  fought  and  won  when  our  volunteers  came  to  aid 
Hi  gathering  the  spoils." 


No.  IV. 

The  Jane  McCrea  Tragedy. 

Probably  no  everjt,  either  in  ancient  or  modern  war- 
fare, has  received  so  many  versions  as  the  killing  ol 
Miss  Jane  McCrea,  during  the  revolutiotiary  war.  It 
has  been  commemorated  in  story  and  in  song,  and  nar- 
rated in  grave  histories,  in  as  many  different  ways  as 
there  have  been  writers  upon  the  subject.  As  an  inci- 
dent merely,  of  the  Revolution,  accuracy  in  its  relation 
is   not,  perhaps,  of  much  moment.      When  measured, 


(he 
accoj 
there 
Gciij 

by   s| 

and 
Sural 


yoyne. 


Appendix. 


3^3 


whom  many 
ed  the  mortal 
the  enemy  in 

d  the  above 
(unty  to  rouse 
Lilboro  just  as 

morning  ser- 
;n  being  sum- 
ithwith  strode 
ergyman,  ex- 
:   Bennington, 

turn   out   and 

portion  of  tlu' 
le  glory  of  the 
ched  by  Gen. 
h  had  aheady 
rs  came  to  aid 


DY. 

r  modern  war- 
the  killing  ot 
onary  war.  it 
song,  and  nar- 
fferent  ways  as 
t.  As  an  inci- 
■y  in  its  relation 
Vhen  measured, 


however,  by  its  results,  it  at  once  assumes  an  importance 
which  justifies  such  an  investigation  as  shall  bring  out 
the  truth. 

The  slaying  of  Miss  iMcCrea  was,  to  the  people  of 
New  York,  what  the  battle  of  Lexington  was  to  the 
New  England  colonies.  In  each  case,  the  effect  was  to 
consolidate  the  inhabitants  more  firmly  against  the  in- 
vader. The  blood  of  the  unfortunate  girl  was  not  shed 
in  vain.  From  every  drop,  hundreds  of  armed  yeomen 
arose  ;  and,  as  has  been  justly  said,  her  name  was  passed 
as  a  note  ot  alarm  along  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  and 
as  a  rallying  cry  among  the  Green  mountains  ot  Ver- 
ni'Uit  brought  down  her  hardy  sons.  It  thus  contributed 
to  Burgoyne's  defeat,  which  became  a  precursor  and 
principal  cause  ot  American  independence. 

The  story,  as  told  by  Bancroft,  Irving  and  others  is, 
that  as  Jane  McCrea  was  on  her  way  from  Fort  Edward 
to  meet  her  lover.  Lieutenant  Jones,  at  the  British  camp, 
under  the  protection  of  the  Indians,  a  quarrel  arose  be- 
tween the  latter  as  to  which  should  have  the  promised 
reward  ;  when  one  of  them,  to  terminate  the  dispute, 
^^  sunk,"  as  Mr.  Bancroft  says,  "  his  tomahawk  into 
the  skull"  of  their  unfortunate  charoe.  The  correct 
accou^n,  however,  of  the  Jane  McCrea  Tragedy,  ga- 
thered from  the  statement  made  by  Mrs.  McN.al  to 
C 


jcnera 


1  B. 


urp-ovne   on 


rgoy 


the  28th  of  Julv,  1777,  in  the 
marquee  of  her  cousin,  General  Eraser,  and  corroborated 
by  several  people  well  acquainted  with  Jane  McCrea, 
and  by  whom  it  was  related  to  the  late  Judge  Hay,  of 
Saratoga     Springs  —  a  veracious     and     industrious     his- 


04      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


torian  —  and  taken  clown  from  their  lips,  is  difterent 
from  the  version  given  by   Mr.  Bancroft. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  July,  1777,  Miss 
McCrea  and  Mrs.  McNeal  were  in  the  letter's  house  at 
Fort  Edward,  preparing  to  set  out  for  Fort  Miller  for 
greater  security,  as  rumors  had  been  rife  of  Indians  in 
the  vicinity.  Their  action  was  the  result  of  a  message 
sent  to  them  early  in  the  morning  by  General  Arnold, 
who  had,  at  ihe  same  time,  despatched  to  their  assist- 
ance Lieutenant  Palmer,  with  some  twenty  men,  with 
orders  to  place  their  furniture  and  effects  on  board  a 
bateau  and  low  the  family  down  to  Fort  Miller 

Lieutenant  Palmer,  having  been  informed  by  Mrs. 
McNeal  that  nearly  all  her  household  goods  had  been 
put  on  board  the  bateau^  remarked  that  he,  with  the 
soldiers,  was  going  up  the  hill  as  far  as  an  old  block- 
house, for  the  purpose  of  reconnoitering,  but  would  not 
be  long  absent.  The  lieutenant  and  his  party,  however, 
not  returning,  Mr^.  McNeal,  and  Jane  McCrea  con- 
cluded not  to  wait  longer,  but  to  ride  on  horseback  to 
Col.  McCrea's  ferry,  leaving  the  further  lading  of  tlie 
boat  in  charge  of  a  black  servant.  When  the  horses, 
however,  were  brought  up  to  the  door,  it  was  found  that 
one  side-saddle  was  missing,  and  a  boy'  was  accordingly 
despatched  to  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Gillis  for  the  purpose 
t)f  borrowing  a  side-siddle  or  a  pillion. 


'  His  name  was  Norman  Morrison.  It  is  not  known  what  became  o! 
him,  thougli  tradition  states,  that  being  small  and  active,  lie  escaped  hum 
the  savages  and  reached  liis  house  in  Hartford,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y. 


goyne. 

IS,  is  different 

,  1777,  Miss 
Iter's  house  ai 
ort  Miller  tor 
of  Indians  in 
t  of  a  message 
nieral  Arnold, 
o  their  assist- 
nty  men,  with 
:ts  on  board  a 
vliller 

med    by    Mrs. 
oods  had  been 
he,    with   the 
an  old   block- 
but  would  not 
)arty,  however, 
McCrea  con- 
horseback  to 
lading  of  the 
en  the  horses, 
was  found  that 
IS  accordingly 
or  the  puipose 


Appendix, 


305 


in  what  became  ol" 
:,  lie  escaped  tioiii 
gton  Co.,  N.  Y. 


While  watching  for  the  boy's  return,  Mrs.  McNeal 
heard  a  discharge  of  fire  arms,'  and  looking  out  of  a 
window,  saw  one  of  Lieutenant  Palmer's  soldiers  run- 
ning along  the  military  road  toward  the  fori,  pursued  by 
several  Indians.  The  fugitive,  seeing  Mrs.  McNeal, 
waved  his  hat  as  a  signal  of  danger,  and  passed  on  ; 
which  the  Indians  perceiving,  left  off  the  pursuit,  and 
came  toward  the  house. 

Seeing  their  intention,  Mrs.  McNeal,  screamed  ; 
"get  down  cellar  for  your  lives!"  On  this,  Jane  Mc- 
Crea and  the  black  woman.  Eve,  with  her  infant,  re- 
treated safely  to  the  cellar,  but  Mrs.  McNeal  was 
caught  on  (he  stairs  bv  the  Indians,  and  dragged  back  by 
the  hair  of  her  head  bv  a  powerful  savage,  who  was 
addressed  by  his  companions,  as  the  "  Wyandot  Pan- 
ther." A  search  in  the  cellar  was  then  begun,  and  the 
result  was  the  discovery  of  Jane  McCrea,  who  was 
brought  up  from  her  concealment,^  the  Wvandot  ex- 
claiming upon  seeing  her.  "  My  squaw,  me  find  um 
agin — me  keep  um  fast  now,  forebet,  ugh  !  " 

By  this  time  the  soldiers  had  arrived  at  the  fort,  the 
alarm  drum  was  beaten,  and  a  party  of  soldiers  started 
in  pursuit.      Alarmed  by  the  noise  of  the  drum  —  which 


'So  fatal  was    this  discharge,  that   out  of  Lieutenant    Fahnct's   party  of 
twenty  men,  only  eight  remained,  Palmer  himself  being  killed  on  the  spot. 

=  Judge  Hay  was  informed  by  Adam,  after  he  became  a  man,  that  his 
mother,  Eve,  had  often  desciibed  to  him  how  she  continued  to  conceal  him 
and  herself  in  an  ash-bin  beneath  a  fire-place;  he  lucidly  not  awaking  to 
cry  while  the  search  was  going  on  around  them  in  the  cellar.  This  was 
also  confirmed  by  the  late  Mis.  fudge  Cowen. 


3o6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


i 


they,  in  common  with  Mrs.  McNeal  and  Jenny, 
heard  —  the  Indians,  after  a  hurried  consultation,  hastily 
litted  the  two  women  upon  the  horses  which  had  been 
waiting  at  the  door  to  carry  them  to  Colonel  Mc- 
Crea's  ferrv,  and  started  off  upon  a  run.  Mrs  McNeal, 
however,  having  been  placed  upon  the  horse  on  which 
there  was  no  saddle,  slipped  off  and  was  thereupon  car- 
ried in  the  arms  of  a  stalwart  savage. 

At  this  point,  Mrs.  McNeal  lost  sight  of  her  com- 
panion, who,  to  use  the  latigiiage  of  Mrs.  McNeal, 
"  was  there  ahead  of  me,  and  appeared  to  be  firmly 
seated  on  the  saddle,  and  held  therein,  while  several  In- 
dians seemed  to  guard  her  —  the  Wyandot  still  ascend- 
ing the  hill  and  pulling  along  by  bridle-bit  the  affrighted 
horse  upon  which  poor  Jenny  rode."  The  Indians, 
however,  when  half  way  up  the  hill,  were  nearly  over- 
takcii  by  the  soldiers,  who,  at  this  point,  began  firing  by 
platoons.  At  every  discharge  the  Indians  would  fall 
flat  with  Mrs.  McNeal.  By  the  time  the  top  of  the 
Fort  Edward  hill  had  been  gained,  not  an  Indian  was 
harmed,  and  one  of  them  remarked  to  Mrs.  McNeal  ; 
'^  wagh  !  um  no  kill  —  um  shoot  too  much  high  for  hit." 
During  the  firing,  two  or  three  of  the  bullets  of  the  pur- 
suing party  hit  Miss  McCrea  with  a  fatal  effect,  who, 
falling  from  her  horse,  had  her  scalp  torn  off  by  her 
guide,  the  Wyandot  Panther,  in  rev(?nge  for  the  loss  of 
the  reward  given  by  Burgoyne  for  anv  white  prisoner  — 
a  reward  considered  equal  to  a  barrel  of  rum. 

Mrs.  McNeal,  however,  was  carried  to  Griffith's 
house,  and  there  kept  by  the  Indians  until  the  next  day, 
when  she  was  ransomed  and  taken  to  the  British  camp. 


(.1 


goyne. 

and  Jenny, 
Itation,  hastily 
lich  bad  bten 
Colonel  Mc- 
Vlrs  McNeal, 
orsc  on  which 
thereupon  car- 

t  of  her  com- 
ers.   McNeal, 
to   be    firmly 
lile  several  In- 
3t  still  ascend- 
;  the  affrighted 
The    Indians, 
-e   nearly  over- 
began  firing  by 
ans  would   fall 
the  top  of  the 
an  Indian    was 
Irs.    McNeal  ; 
high  for  hit." 
ets  of  the  pur- 
al  effect,  who, 
orn  off  by    her 
or  the  loss  of 
lite  prisoner  — 

um. 

\  to  Griffith's 
I  the  next  day, 
I  British  camp. 


Appendix. 


307 


"  I  never  saw  Jenny  afterwards,"  says  Mrs.  McNeal, 
''  nor  anything  that  appertained  to  her  person  until  my 
arrival  in  the  British  camp,  when  an  aide-de-camp 
showed  me  a  fresh  scalp-lock  which  I  could  not  mistake, 
because  the  hair  was  unusually  fine,  luxuriant,  lustrous, 
and  dark  as  the  wing  of  a  raven.  Till  that  evidence  of 
her  death  was  exhibited,  I  hoped,  almost  against  hope, 
that  poor  Jenny  had  been  either  rescued  by  our  pursuers 
(in  whose  army  her  brother,  Stephen  McCrea,  was  a 
surgeon),  or  brought  by  our  captors  to  some  part  of  the 
British  encampment." 

While  at  Griffith's  house,  Ivirs.  McNeal  endeavored 
to  hire  an  Indian,  named  Captain  Tommo,  to  go  back 
and  search  for  her  companion,  but  neither  he  nor  any  of 
the  Indians  could  be  prevailed  upon  to  venture  even  as 
far  back  as  the  brow  of  the  Fort  Edward  hill  to  look 
clown  it  for  the  "  white  squaw,"  as  they  called  Jenny. 

The  remains  of  Miss  McCrea  were  gathered  up  by 
those  who  would  have  rescued  her,  and  buried  —  together 
with  those  of  Lieutenant  Palmer  —  under  the  supervi- 
sion of  Colorel  Morgan  Lewis  (then  deputy  quarter- 
master general),  on  the  bank  of  the  creek,  three  miles 
south  of  Fort  Edward,  and  two  miles  south  of  her  brother 
John  McCrea's  farm,  which  was  across  the  Hudson,  and 
directly  opposite  the  principal  encampment  of  General 
Schuyler. 

The  only  statements  which   while  disproving  Mr.  Ban- 
croft's relation,  seems  to  conflict  with  the  above  account 
f  the  manner  of  her  death,  is  the  one  made  by  Dr.  John 


o 


Bartlett,  a  surijeon  in  the  American  arnn 


Th 


IS  occurs 


joS        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


?*■■ 


in  his  report  to  the  director-general  of  the  hospitals  of 
tlie  Northern  department,  dated  at  Moses  creek  at  head- 
quarters, at  ten  o'clock  of  the  night  of  July  27,  1777, 
and  is  as  follows  : 

"  I  have  this  moment  returned  from  Fort  Edward, 
where  a  paity  of  hell-hounds,  in  conjunction  with  their 
brethren,  the  British  troops,  fell  upon  an  advanced  guard, 
inhumanly  butchered,  scalped  and  stripped  four  of  them, 
wounded  two  more,  each  in  the  thigh,  and  four  more  are 
missino;. 

"  Poor  Miss  Jenny  McCrea,  and  the  woman  with 
whom  she  lived,  were  taken  by  the  savages,  led  up  the 
hill  to   where  there   was  a   body   of  British  troops,  and 

there  the  poor  girl  was  shot  to  death  in  cold  blood,  scalped 
and  left  on  tiie  ground  ;  and  the  other  woman  not  yet 
found. 

"  T  iC  alarm  came  to  camp  at  two  p.m.  I  was  at 
dinner.  I  immediately  sent  off  to  collect  all  the  regular 
surgeons,  in  order  to  take  some  one  or  two  of  them  along 
with  me,  but  the  devil  a  bit  of  one  was  to  be  found.  *  '^ 
*  *  There  is  neither  amputating  instrument,  crooked 
needle,  nor  tourniquet  in  all  the  camp.  I  have  a  hand- 
ful of  lint  und  two  or  three  bandages,  and  that  is  all. 
What  in  the  name  of  wonder  I  am  to  do  in  case  of  an 
attack,  God  only  knows.  Without  assistance,  without 
instruments,  without  anything  !  " 

This  statement,  however,  was  made,  as  is  apparent 
on  its  face,  hurriedly,  and  under  great  excitement.  A 
thousand  rumors  were  flying  in  the  air,  and  there  had 
been  no  time  in  which  to  sift  the  kernels  of  truth  from 


rgoyne. 

le  hospitals  of 
creek  at  head- 
[uly  27,  1777. 

Fort  Edward, 
:ion  with  their 
dvanced  guard, 
1  four  of  them, 
1  four  more  are 

woman  with 
res,  led  up  the 
ish  troops,  and 
I  blood,  scalped 
voman  not  yet 

.M,  I  was  at 
all  the  regular 
)  of  them  along 
be  found.  *  '' 
iment,  crooked 
I  have  a  band- 
nd  that  is  all. 
J  in  case  of  an 
stance,  without 

as  is  apparent 
xcitement.      A 
and  there  had 
of  truth  from 


Appendix, 


309 


the  chafF.  But,  in  addition  to  this,  the  story  of  the 
surgeon  is  flatly  contradicted  by  testimony,  both  at  the 
time  of  the  occurrence  and  afterward.  General  Bur- 
goyne's  famous  "  Bouquet  order  "  of  the  21st  of  May, 
and  his  efforts,  by  appealing  to  their  fears  and  love  of 
gain,  to  prevent  any  species  of  cruelty  on  the  part  of  his 
savage  allies  —  facts  well  known  to  his  officers  and 
men  —  render  it  simply  impossible  to  believe  the  state- 
ment of  Surgeon  Bartlett,  that  a  "  body  of  British  troops  " 
stood  calmly  by  and  witnessed  the  murder  of  a  defence- 
less maiden  —  and  a  maiden,  too,  between  whom  and 
one  of  their  comrades-in-arms  there  was  known  to  be  a 
betrothment.  Leaving,  however,  probabilities,  we  have 
the  entirely  different  and  detailed  account  of  Jenny's 
companion,  Mrs.  McNeal,  "  the  woman  with  whom 
she  lived,"  and  who,  as  "  the  woman  not  yet  found," 
was  endeavoring  —  while  the  surgeon  was  penning  his 
account  —  to  prevail  upon  the  Indians  to  go  back  and 
search  for  Jenny's  body,  left  behind  in  their  hurried 
flight. 

The  entire  matter,  however,  seems  to  be  placed  be- 
yond all  doubt,  not  only  by  the  corroborative  statement 
of  the  Wyandot  Panther,  when  brought  into  the  presence 
of  Burgoyne  — to  the  effect  that  it  was  not  he,  but  the 
enemy,  that  had  killed  her  —  but  by  the  statement  of 
General  Morgan  Lewis,  afterward  governor  of  New 
York  state.  His  account  is  thus  given  by  the  late  Judge 
Hay  in  a  letter  to  the  writer  : 

"  Several  years  after  Mrs.  Teasse  had  departed  this  — 
to   her — eventful    life,  I   conversed   (in  the   hearing  of 

27 


3 1  o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

Mr.  David  Banks,  at  his  law-book  store  in  New  York) 
with  Governor  Lewis.  Morgan  Lewis  then  stated  his 
distinct  recollection  that  there  were  three  gun  shot 
wounds  upon  Miss  McCrea's  corpse,  which,  on  the  day 
of  her  death,  was,  by  direction  of  himself —  and,  in  tact, 
under  his  own  personal  supervision  —  removed,  together 
with  a  subaltern's  remains,  from  a  lill  near  Fort  Edward 
to  the  Three  Mile  creek,  where  they  were  interred. 
The  fact  o'  "^he  '  Uet  wounds  —  of  which  I  had  not  be- 
fore heard,  i.it  w  -ch  was  consistent  with  Mrs.  Teasse's 
statement  —  \,  .:,  to  ne  'confirmation  strong  as  proof 
from  Holy  writ,'  that  jane  McCrea  had  not  been  killed 
exclusively  by  Indians,  who  would  have  done  that  deed 
either  with  a  tomahawk  or  scalping-knife,  and  would 
not,  therefore,  be  likely  (pardon  the  phrase  in  this  con- 
nection) to  have  wasted  their  ammunition.  In  that 
opinion  Governor  Lewis,  an  experienced  jurist — if  not 
general  —  familiar  with  rules  of  evidence,  concurred." 

This  opinion  of  two  eminent  lawyers,  as  well  as  the 
statement  of  the  Wyandot,  receives,  moreover,  additional 
confirmation  in  the  fact  that  when  the  remains  of  Jane 
McCrea,  a  few  years  since  were  disinterred  and  removed 
to  the  old  Fort  Edward  burial  ground,  and  consigned  to 
Mrs.  McNeal's  grave.  Dr.  William  S.  Norton,  a  re- 
spectable and  highly  intelligent  practitioner  of  physic  and 
surgery,  examined  her  skull,  and  found  no  marks  what- 
ever of  a  cut  or  a  gash.^ 


*  Miss  McCrea's  remains  have  recently  again  been  removed,  for  the  third 
time,  to  the  new  Union  cemetery,  situated  half  way  between  Fort 
Edward  and  Sandy  Hill.  A  large  slab  of  white  marble  has  been  placed 
over  the  spot  by  Miss  McCrea's  niece,  Mrs.  Sarah  H.   Payne. 


I 


s 


w  New  York) 
len  stated  his 
iree    gun  shot 
:h,  on  the  day 
-  and,  in  fact, 
Dved,  together 
•  Fort  Edward 
A^ere   interred. 
,  I  had  not  be- 
Mrs.  Teasse's 
trong  as  proof 
lot  been  killed 
done  that  deed 
fe,  and    would 
se  in  this  con- 
tion.     In    that 
jurist  —  if  not 
,  concurred." 
as  well  as  the 
)ver,  additional 
;mains  of  Jane 
;d  and  removed 
d  consigned  to     \ 
Norton,  a  re- 
r  of  physic  and 
o  marks  what- 


(noved,  for  the  third 
way    between    Fort 

lie  has  been  plareJ 
Payne. 


Appendix, 


JIl 


This  fact,  also,  strongly  confirms  the  opinion  expressed 
at  the  time  by  General  Fraser,^  at  the  post-mortem  camp 
investigation,  that  Jane  McCrea  was  accidentally,  or 
rather  unintenti()n;illy,  killed  by  American  troops  pur- 
suing the  Indians,  and,  as  General  Fraser  said  he  had 
often  witnessed,  aiming  too  high,  when  the  mark  was  on 
elevated  ground,  as  had  occurred  at  Bunker's  (Breed's) 
hill. 

It  thus  appears,  first,  that  Jane  McCrea  was  accident- 
ally killed  by  the  Americans,  and,  secondly,  that  the 
American  loyalist,  David  Jones,  did  not  send  the  Indians, 
much  less  the  ferocious  Wyandot  Panther,  whor  h^  ab- 
horred and  dreaded,  on  their  errand. 

Indeed,  the  falsity  of  this  latter  statement  (which,  by 
the  way.  General  Burgoyne  never  believed)  is  aiso  sus- 
ceptible of  proof.  The  well  established  faci  Jiat  Jones 
had  sent  Robert  Ayers  (father-in-law  of  Mr.  Ransom 
Cook,  now  residing  at  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.),  with  a 
letter  to  Miss  Jane  McCrea  asking  her  to  visit  the  British 
encampment  and  accompany  its  commander-in-chief,  with 
his  lady  guests,  on  an  excursion  to  Lake  George,  clearly 
shows  how  the  charge  against  Jones  had  crept  into  a 
whig  accusation  concerning  misconduct  and  meanness  ; 
and  the  dialogue  (also  well  authenticated)  between  two 
of  her  captors,  in  relation  to  the  comparative  value  of  a 
white  squaw  —  estimated  at  a  barrel  of  rum  —  and  her 
scalp-lock,  accounts  perhaps,  for  the  story  of  the  pre- 
tended proffered  reward  (a  barrel  of  rum),  alleged  to  have 
caused  the  quarrel  among  the  Indians  which  resulted  in 


»  Afterwards  killed  at  the  battle  of  Saratoga,  Oct.  yth,  1777. 


3 1 2      Campaign  ^f  General  John  Burgoyne. 


the  supposed  catastrophe.  All  who  had  been  acquainted 
with  David  Jones  knew  that  he  was  incapable  of  such 
conduct,  and  so  expressed  themselves  at  the  time. 

The  rumor,  also,  which  is  slightly  conlirmed  in  Bur- 
goyne's  letter  to  General  Gates,  that  iVliss  McCrea  was  on 
her  way  to  an  appointed  marriage  ceremony,  originated  iii 
Jones's  admission  that  he  had  intended,  on  the  arrival  of  his 
betrothed  at  Skenesborough  (now  Whitehall,  N.  Y.),  to 
solicit  her  consent  to  their  immediate  ntptials  —  Chaplain 
BrudencU  officiating.  But  Jones  explicitly  denied  having 
intimated  such  a  desire,  in  a  letter  to  Miss  McCrea  or 
otherwise.  "  Such,"  he  added,  ''  was,  without  reference 
to  my  own  sense  of  propriety,  my  dear  Jenny's  sensibility, 
that  the  indelicacy  of  this  supposed  proposal  would,  even 
under  our  peculiar  circumstances,  have  thwarted  it." 

Indeed,  this  question  was  often  a  topic  of  conversation 
between  General  Fraser  and  his  cousin,  Mrs.  McNeal, 
who,  with  Miss  Hunter  (afterwards  Mrs.  Teasse),  ac- 
companied him  from  Fort  Edward  to  Saratoga,  and  on 
his  death,  in  that  battle,  returned  to  Fort  Edward,  after 
witnessing  the  surrender  of  the  British  general.  Jones 
frankly  admitted  to  his  friends  that  in'  consequence  of 
the  proximity  of  the  savages  to  Fort  Edward,  he  had 
engaged  several  chiefs  who  had  been  at  the  Bouquet  en- 
campment, to  keep  an  eye  upon  the  fierce  Ottawas,  and 
especially  upon  the  bloodthirsty  Wyandots,  and  persuade 
them  not  to  cross  the  Hudson  ;  but  if  they  could  not  be 
deterred  from  so  doing  by  intimations  of  danger  from 
rebel  scouts,  his  employes  were  to  watch  over  the  safety 
of  his    mother's   residence,    and   also   that   of  Colonel 


n  acquainted 
able  of  such 
:  time. 

mcd  in  Bui- 
cCrea  was  on 
originated  in 
J  arrival  of  his 
1,  N.  Y.),  to 
s  —  Chaplain 
denied  having 
ss  McCrea  or 
lout  reference 
y's  sensibility, 
l1  u'ould,  evxin 
varted  it." 
f  conversation 
/Irs.  McNeal, 
Teasse),  ac- 
atoga,  and  on 
Edward,  after 
neral.     Jones 
)nsequence   ot 
ward,   he  had 
c  Bouquet  en- 
Ottawas,  and 
,  and  persuade 
\l  could  not  be 
danger  from 
3ver  the  safety 
at   of   Colonel 


Appendix, 


^^3 


McCrea.  For  all  which,  and  in  order  the  better  to  secure 
their  fidelity,  Jones  promised  a  suitable  but  not  specified 
reward  ;  meaning  thereby  such  trinkets  and  weapons  as 
were  fitted  for  Indian  traffic,  and  usually  bestowed  upon 
savages,  whether  in  peace  or  war. 

But  partisanship  vt-s  then  extremely  bitter,  and  eagerly 
seized  the  opportunity  thus  o'esented  of  magnifying  a 
slight  and  false  rumor  into  a  veritable  fact,  which  was 
used  most  successfully  in  stirring  up  the  fires  of  hatred 
against  loyalists  in  general,  and  the  family  of  Jones  in 
particular.  The  experietices  of  the  last  few  years  afford 
fresh  illustrations  of  how  little  of  partisan  asseveration  is 
reliable  ;  and  there  is  so  much  of  the  terrible  in  civil 
war  which  is  indisputably  true,  that  it  is  not  difficult,  nor 
does  it  require  habitual  credulity,  to  give  currency  to 
falsehood. 

One,  who  a  hundred  years  hence,  should  write  a  his- 
tory of  the  late  Rebellion,  based  upon  the  thousand 
rumors,  newspaper  correspondence,  statements  of  radical 
and  fierce  politicians  on  one  or  another  side,  would  run 
great  risk  of  making  serious  misstatements.  The  more 
private  documents  are  brought  to  light,  the  more  clearlv 
they  reveal  a  similar,  though  even  more  intensified  state 
of  feeling  between  the  tories  and  the  whigs  during  the 
era  of  the  Revolution.  Great  caution  should  therefore 
he  observed,  when  incorporating  in  history  any  accounts 
as  facts,  which  «eem  to  have  been  the  result  of  personal 
hatred  or  malice. 


3  c  4    Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


No.  V. 

A  Visit  to  the  Battle-Ground  in  1827. 

The  following  account  of  a  visit  to  the  field  of  Sara 
toga,  on  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  that  battle,  vi'/,  : 
October  17th,  1827,  was  written  immediately  afterward 
for  the  use  of  the  late  Col.  William  L.  Stone,  for  his 
Life  of  Brant.  The  writer,  the  late  venerable  Samuel 
Woodruff,  Esq.,  of  Windsor  (Conn.),  was  a  participator 
in  the  battle : 

Windsor,  Conn.,  Oct.  31,  1827. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

You  may  remember  when  I  had  the  pleasure  to  dine 
with  you  at  New  York,  on  the  14th  inst.,  I  had  set  out 
on  a  tour  to  Saratoga  to  gratify  a  desire  I  felt,  and  which 
had  long  been  increasing,  to  view  the  battle-grounds  at 
that  place,  and  the  spot  on  which  the  royal  army  under 
the  command  of  General  Burgoyne  surrendered  to  Gene- 
ral Gates  on  the  17th  of  October,  1777. 

I  thought  it  would  add  something  to  the  interest  of 
that  view  to  me,  to  be  there  on  the  17th,  exactly  half  a 
century  after  that  memorable  event  took  place.  You 
will  excuse  me  for  entering  a  little  into  the  feelings  of 
Uncle  Toby  respecting  Dendermond  in  the  compressed 
and  hastily  written  journal  I  kept  of  my  tour,  especially 
as  you  will  take  into  consideration  that  1  had  the  honor 
to  serve  as  a  volunteer  under  General  Gates  part  of  that 
campaign,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  the  7th  of  October. 

I  take  the   liberty  to  enclose  you  an  extract  of  that 


yne. 


N    1827. 

field  of  Sara 
battle,  vi'/>  : 
ely  afterward 
5tone,  for  his 
rable  Samuel 
a  participator 

.  3^  ^827. 

easure  to  dine 
I  had  set  out 
elt,  and  which 
tie-grounds  at 
il  army  under 
lered  to  Gene- 

the  interest  of 
exactly  half  a 
:  place,  You 
:he  feelings  of 
le  compressed 
our,  especially 
had  the  honor 
tes  part  of  that 
h  of  October, 
extract  of  that 


appendix. 


3'5 


part  of  my  journal  which  embraces  the  principal  object 
of  my  tour. 

Oct.  17th.  After  a  short  stop  in  Tmy,  took  another 
stage  for  Saratoga  ;  at  Lansingburgh,  a  neat  and  hand- 
some village,  about  three  miles  from  Troy,  crossed  the 
Hudson  on  a  covered  bridge  of  excellent  workmanship, 
over  to  Waterford  (Old  Half  Moon  point),  another  rich 
and  flourishing  village.  Arrived  at  Fish  creek  in  Saratoga 
at  half  past  two  P.M.  through  a  beautiful,  well  cultivated 
interval  of  alluvial  land  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson  — 
everything  from  Albany  to  this  place  wears  the  appear- 
ance of  wealth  and  comfort.  Put  up  at  Mr.  Barker's 
tavern.  After  dinner  viewed  the  ruins  of  the  British 
fortifications  and  head-quarters,  of  Gen.  Burgoyne.  He 
kept  his  quarters  for  several  days  at  a  house,  now  stand- 
ing and  in  good  repair,  about  a  mile  north  of  Fish  creek, 
on  the  west  side  of  the  road,  owned  by  Mr.  Busher,  an 
intelligent  farmer  about  seventy-five  years  of  age.  While 
Burgoyne  held  his  head-quarters  at  this  house.  Baron 
Riedesel,  of  the  royal  army,  obtained  leave  of  the  com- 
mander-in-chief to  place  his  lady  the  baroness  and  their 
three  small  children  under  the  same  protection  ;  these 
were  also  accompanied  by  lady  Ackland  and  some  other 
ladies,  wives  of  British  officers.  At  that  time  some  of 
the  American  troops  were  stationed  on  the  east  bank  of 
the  Hudson,  opposite  the  house,  in  fair  view  of  it,  and 
within  cannon-shot  distance.  Observing  considerable 
moving  of  per^  )ns  about  the  house,  the  Americans  sup- 
posed it  the  rende-Lvous  of  the  British  officers,  and  com- 
menced a  brisk  cannonade  upon  it.     Several  shot  struck 


3 1 6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

and  shattered  the  house.  The  baroness  with  her  child- 
ren fled  into  the  cellar  for  safety,  and  placed  herself  and 
them  at  the  northeast  corner,  where  they  were  well  pro- 
tected by  the  cellar  wall.  A  British  surgeon  bv  the  name 
of  Jones,  having  his  leg  broken  bv  a  cannon  ball,  was  at 
this  time  brought  in,  and  laid  on  the  floor  of  the  room 
vhich  the  baroness  and  the  otlier  ladies  had  just  left.  A 
cannon  ball  entered  the  house  near  the  northeast  corner 
of  the  room,  a  few  inches  above  the  floor,  and  passing 
through,  broke  and  mangled  the  other  leg  of  the  poor 
surgeon.  Soon  after  this  he  expired.  Mr.  Busher  very 
civilly  conductec  me  into  the  room,  cellar,  and  Oiher 
parts  of  the  house,  pointi:ig  out  the  places  where  the 
balls  entered,  etc.  From  hence  I  proceeded  to,  and 
viewed  with  very  great  interest,  the  spot  where  Gen. 
Burgovne,  attended  by  his  staff,  presented  his  sword  to 
Gen.  Gates  ;  also,  t!ic  ground  on  v/hich  the  arms,  etc., 
of  the  royal  army  were  stacked  and  piled.  This  memo- 
rable place  is  situated  on  the  flat,  north  side  of  Fish 
creek,  about  fortv  roc's  west  of  its  entrance  into  the 
Hudson,  and  through  which  the  Champlain  canal  now 
passes. 

Contiguous  to  this  spot  is  the  N.  W.  angle  of  old 
Fort  Hardv,a  military  work  throv/n  up  and  occui»icd  by 
the  French,  under  Gen.  Dieskau,in  the  year  1755.  The 
lines  of  intrenchment  embrace,  as  I  should  judge,  about 
iifteen  acres  of  ground.  ihe  outer  works  on  the  north 
side  of  Fish  creek,  and  east  on  the  we?.r  bank  of  the 
Hudson.  Human  bones,  fragments  of  fire-arms,  swords, 
balls,  tools,  implements,  broken  crockery,  etc.,  etc.,  are 
frequently  picked  up  on  this  ground. 


oyne. 


Appendix. 


3^7 


ith  her  chiltl- 
■d  herself  and 
•ere  well  pro- 
1  bv  the  name 
n  ball,  was  ai 
•  of  the  room 
just  left.      A 
rtheast  corner 
•,  and   passin^j 
r  of  the  poor 
-.  Busher  very 
ar,  and   Oiher 
•es  where  the 
ceded  to,   and 
t  where  Gen. 
1  his  sword  to 
he  arms,  etc., 
This  memo- 
side  of    Fish 
ance  into  the 
ain  canal  now 

.  angle   of  old 
id  occujfied  by 
ir  1755.      The 
d  judge,  about 
s  on  the  north 
r  bank  of  the 
-arms,  swords, 
etc.,  etc.,  are 


In  excavating  the  earth  for  the  Champlain  canal,  which 
passes  a  tew  rods  west  of  this  fort,  such  numbers  of 
human  skeletons  were  found  as  render  it  highly  probable 
this  was  the  cemetery  of  the  French  garrison. 

About  twenty  or  thirty  rods  west  of  the  aqueduct  for 
the  canal  over  Fish  creek,  stood  Gen.  Schuyler's  mills, 
which  were  burned  by  order  of  Gen.  Burgoyne. 

Gen.  Schuyler's  dwelling-house  also,  and  his  other 
buildings,  standing  on  a  beautiful  area  a  little  southeast 
of  the  mills  on  the  south  side  of  the  creek,  suffered  the 
same  fate.  The  mills  have  been  rebuilt  and  are  now  in 
operation,  at  the  same  place  where  the  former  stood. 
T'he  grandson  of  Gen.  Schuyler  now  lives  in  a  house 
erected  on  the  site  of  the  former  dwelling  of  his  father  — 
a  covered  bridge  across  the  crock  adjoining  the  mills. 

I  Cannot,  in  this  place,  omit  some  short  notices  of  Gen. 
P.  Schuyler.  It  seems  he  was  commander-in-chief  of 
the  northern  army  until,  the  latter  part  of  August,  1777, 
at  which  time  he  was  superseded  by  Gen.  (jates. 

1  remember  at  that  time  there  was  some  excitement 
in  the  public  mind,  and  much  dissatisfaction  expressed 
on  account  of  that  measure  ;  and  with  my  limited  means 
of  knowledge,  I  have  never  been  able  to  learn  what  good 
reason  induced  his  removal.  Few  men  in  our  country 
at  that  time  ranked  higher  than  (jen.  Schu\  ler  in  all  the 
essential  qualities  of  the  patriot,  the  gentleman,  the  sol- 
tiier,  and  scholar.  True  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  he  made 
sacrifices  which  few  were  either  al)le  or  willing  to  bear. 
The  nobility  o{  soul  he  possessed,  distinguished  him  from 
ordinary  men,  and  pointed  h 
publ 


mi   out  as  one  ueservinp;  o 


f 


ic  confidence 


3 1 8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


At  the  surrender  of  the  royal  army,  he  generously  in- 
vited Gen.  Burgoyne,  his  suite,  and  several  oF  the  prin- 
cipal officers,  with  their  ladies,  to  his  house  at  Albany  ; 
where,  at  his  own  expense,  he  \'q(\  and  lodged  them  for 
two  or  three  weeks  with  the  kindest  hospitality. 

This  is  the  man,  who,  a  few  da}  s  before,  had  suffered 
immense  loss  in  his  mills  and  other  buildings  at  Fish 
creek,  burned  by  order  of  the  same  Burgoyne  who  had 
now  become  his  guest. 

Respecting  Gen.  Gates,  I  will  only  say  finis  coronat  opus. 

Oct.  1 8th.  At  seven  a.m.,  started  on  foot  to  view 
some  other  and  equally  interesting  places  connects,  with 
the  campaign  of  1777.  Three  miles  and  a  half  south  of 
Fish  creek,  called  at  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Smith,  in  which 
Gen.  Fraser  died  of  wounds  received  in  the  battle  of  the 
7th  October,  and  near  which  house,  in  one  of  the  British 
redoubts,  that  officer  was  buried.  This  house  then  stood 
by  the  road  on  the  west  margin  of  the  intervale,  at  the 
foot  of  the  rising  ground.  A  turnpike  road  having  since 
been  constructed,  running  twenty  or  thirty  rods  east  of 
the  old  road,  the  latter  has  been  discontinued,  and  Mr. 
Smith  has  drawn  the  house  and  placed  it  on  the  west 
side  of  the  turnpike. 

Waiving,  for  the  present,  any  farther  notices  of  this 
spot,  I  shall  attempt  a  concise  narrative  of  the  two  hostile 
armies  for  a  short  period  anterior  to  the  great  battle  of 
the  7th  of  October. 

The  object  of  the  British  general  was  to  penetrate  as 
far  as  Albany,  at  which  place,  by  concert,  he  was  to 
meet  Sir   Henry   Clinton,  then  with    a  fleet  and  army 


lough 

Thi. 

troop 

some 

men 

did  gi 

kind!) 

put  ai 

tory. 

the  fj 

posse< 

vvoun( 

part  o 

about 


oyne. 

enerously  in- 
l  of  the  prin- 
e  at  Albany  ; 
Iged  them  tor 
ality. 

;,  had  suftercd 
dings  at  Fish 
Dyne  who  had 

n'ts  coronal  opus. 

foot  to  view 
:onnecte..  with 
a  half  south  of 
mith,in  which 
le  battle  of  the 
e  of  the  British 
Duse  then  stood 
itervale,  at  the 
id  having  since 

ty  rods  east  of 
nued,  and   Mr. 

t  on  the  west 


notices  of  this 
the  two  hostile 
irreat  battle  of 

to  penetrate  as 
crt,  he  was  to 
fleet  and  army 


Appendix. 


319 


lying  at  New  York.  In  the  early  part  of  September, 
Gen.  Burgoyne  had  advanced  with  his  army  from  Fort 
Edward,  and  crossed  the  Hudson  with  his  artillery,  bag- 
(raije  waL^ons,  etc.,  on  a  bridge  of  boats,  and  intrenched 
the  troops  on  the  highlands  in  Saratoga.  On  the  19th 
of  September  they  left  their  intrenchments,  and  moved 
south  by  a  slow  and  cautious  march  toward  the  Ameri* 
can  camp,  which  was  secured  by  a  line  of  intrenchments 
and  redoubts  on  Bemis's  heights,  running  from  west 
to  east  about  half  a  mile  in  length,  terminating  at  the 
east  end  on  the  west  side  of  the  intervale. 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  royal  army,  the  American 
forces  sallied  forth  from  their  camp,  and  met  the  British 
about  a  mile  north  of  the  American  lines.  A  severe 
conflict  ensued,  and  many  brave  officers  and  men  fell 
on  both  sides.  The  ground  on  which  this  battle  was 
fought  was  principally  covered  with  standing  wood. 
This  circumstance  somewhati^  embarrassed  the  British 
troops  in  the  use  of  their  field  artillery,  and  and  afforded 
some  advantage  to  the  Americans,  particularly  the  rifle- 
men under  the  command  of  the  brave  Col.  Morgan,  who 
did  great  execut'on.  Night,  which  has  so  often  and  so 
kindly  interposed  to  stop  the  carnage  of  conflicting  hosts, 
put  an  end  to  the  liattle.  Neither  party  claimed  a  vic- 
tory. Th.e  royal  army  withdrew  in  the  night,  leaving 
the  field  and  their  slain,  with  some  of  their  wounded,  in 
possession  of  the  Americans.     The  loss  of  killed  and 

iJ  wounded,  as  near  as  could  be  ascertained,  >vas,  on  the 
part  of  the  British,  600  ;   and  on  thc.t  of  the  Americans, 

I  about  350.     The  bravery  and  firmness  of  the  American 


320      Campaign  of  General  John  B'rgujr'e. 

forces  displayed  this  day,  convinced  the  British  i<ihc.  is 
lA  the  difiicult\,  if  not  utter  impossibility,  of  coiitinuini! 
their  march  to  Albany.  The  season  tor  closing  the 
campaign  in  that  northern  region  was  advancing  —  the 
American  army  was  daily  augmenting  by  militia,  volun- 
teer^, and  the  "two  months  men,"  as  they  were  then 
called.  The  fear  that  the  royal  armies  might  ef/ect 
their  junction  at  Albany,  aroused  the  neighboring  states  ot 
New  England,  and  drew  from  New  Hampshire,  Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut,  and  Vermont,  a  large  body  of 
determined  soldiers.  Baum's  defeat  at  Bennington  had 
inspired  them  with  new  hopes  and  invigorated  theii 
spirits. 

Under  these  circumstances,  inauspicious  to  tbv  hostile 
army,  the  British  commander-ir  -chief  summoned  a  coun- 
cil  of  war  ;  the  result  of  which  was  to  attempt  a  retreat 
across  the  Hudson  to  P'ort  Edward.  Gen.  Gates, 
apprehending  the  probability  of  this  measure,  seasonablv 
detached  a  portion  of  his  force  to  intercept  and  cut  oR 
the  retreat,  should  that  be  a.iv  mpted. 

iVlany  new  and  unexpecsju  difficulties  now  presented 
themselves.  The  boats  which  had  served  the  British 
army  for  a  bridge,  being  considered  by  them  as  of  no 
further  use,  had  been  cut  loose,  and  most  of  them  floated 
d(>wn  the  river.  The  construction  of  rafts  sufficient  for 
conveying  over  their  artillery  and  heavy  baggage,  would 
be  attended  with  great  danger  as  well  as  loss  of  time. 
The  bridges  over  the  creeks  had  been  destroyed  ;  great 
(juantities  of  trees  had  been  felled  across  the  roads  hv 
otdtr  o^'  the   American  general  ;  another  thing,  not  ot 


iriilsh  oflic  IS 
of  cOiitiJiLiiiiir 
jr    closing,  the 
vancing  —  the 
militia,  voIum- 
ley   were  then 
s  might  euect 
boring  states  of 
pshire,  Massa- 
large  body   of 
knnington  had 
vio-orated    their 

IS  to  tl'v  hostile 
mioned  a  couti- 
tempt  a  retreat 
Gen.  Gates, 
ure,  -easonablv 
;pt  and  cut  off 

now  presented 
ed  the  British 
them  as  of  no 
of  them  floated 
ts  sufficient  tor 
)aggage,  would 
s  loss  of  time, 
^stroyed  ;  great 
s  the  roads  bv 
r  tiling,  not  ot 


A 


appendix. 


yii 


the  most  trifling  nature,  Fort  Edward  was  already  in 
possession  of  the  Americans.  In  this  perplexing  dilemma 
the  royal  army  found  themselves  completely  checkmated. 
A  retreat,  however,  was  attempted,  but  soon  abandoned. 
Situated  as  they  now  were,  between  two  fires,  every 
motion  they  made  was  fraught  with  danger  and  loss. 
They  retired  to  their  old  intrenched  camp. 

Several  days  elapsed  without  any  very  active  opera- 
tions on  either  side.  This  interval  of  time  was,  how- 
ever, improved  by  the  royi^.l  army  in  preparations  to  make 
one  desperate  efFoi  t  to  force  the  Kne  of  the  American 
camp,  and  cut  their  way  through  on  their  march  to 
Albany.  The  American  army  improved  the  meantime 
in  strengthening  their  outer  works,  arranging  their  forces, 
and  placing  the  Continentals  on  the  north  side  of  the  in- 
trenchmcnts,  where  valiant  men  were  expected  ;  t.hus 
preparing  to  defend  every  point  of  attack  ;  Morgan,  with 
his  riflemen,  to  form  the  left  flank  in  the  woods. 

During  these  few  days  of  ''  dreadful  preparation,"  in- 
formation daily  arrived  in  our  camp,  by  deserters  and 
otherwise,  that  an  attack  would  soon  be  made  upon  the 
line  of  our  intrenchments  at  Bemis's  heights,  near  the 
head-quarters  of  Gen.  Gates. 

The  expected  conflict  awakened  great  anxiety  among 
the  American  troops,  but  abated  nothing  of  that  sterling 
intrepidity  and  firmness  which  they  had  uniformly  dis- 
played in  the  hour  of  danger  •,  all  considered  that  the 
expected  conflict  would  be  decisive  of  the  campaign  at 
least,  if  not  of  the  war  in  which   we  had  been  so  long 

\   engaged.      Immense   interests    were    at    stake.     Should 

28 


3  2  2      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


Gen.  Burgoyne  succeed  in  marching  his  army  to  Albany, 
Gen.  Clinton,  without  any  considerable  difficulty,  would 
there  join  him  with  another  powerful  English  army,  and 
a  fleet  sufficient  to  command  the  Hudson  from  thence  to 
New  York.  Should  this  junction  of  force  take  place, 
all  the  states  east  of  the  Hudson  would  be  cut  oft'  from 
all  efficient  communication  with  the  western  and  southern 
states. 

In  addition  to  this  there  were  other  considerations  of 
the  deepest  concern.  The  war  had  already  been  pro- 
tracted to  a  greater  length  of  time  than  was  expected  on 
either  side  at  the  commencement.  The  resources  of  the 
country,  which  were  at  first  but  comparatively  small  in 
respect  to  those  things  necessary  for  war,  began  to  fail ; 
the  term  of  enlistment  of  many  of  the  soldiers  had  ex- 
pired. 

We  had  no  public  money,  and  no  government  to 
guaranty  the  payment  of  wages  to  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers, nor  to  those  who  furnished  supplies  for  the  troops. 

Under  these  discouraging  circumstances  it  became  ex- 
tremely difficult  to  raise  recruits  for  the  army.  During 
the  year  1776  and  the  fore  part  of  '77,  the  Americans 
suffered  greatly  by  sickness,  and  were  unsuccessful  in 
almost  every  rencontre  with  the  enemy.  iMen's  hearts, 
even  (he  stoutest,  began  to  fail.  This  was  indeed  the 
most  glooiXTiy  period  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

On  the  71':  of  October,  about  ten  o'clock  a.m.,  the 
roval  armv  commenced  their  march,  and  formed  their 
line  of   battle  on  our  left,  near    Bemis's  heights,  wit 
Gen.  Fraser  at  their  head.     Our  pickets  were  driven  i 


withe 
eight 


togetl 


goyne. 

ny  to  Albany, 
Sculty,  would 
lish  army,  and 
rom  thence  to 
ce  take  place, 
e  cut  oft'  from 
n  and  southern 

)nsiderations  of 
^ady  been  pro- 
as expected  on 
esources  of  the 
atively  small  in 
,  began  to  fail ; 
oldiers  had  ex- 
government  to 
>fficers  and  sol- 

for  the  troops, 
s  it  became  ex- 
army.  During 
the  Americans 
unsuccessful  in 
Men's  hearts, 

was  indeed  the 
evolution, 
clock  A.M.,  the 
id  formed  their 
's  heights,  with 
s  were  driven  in 


Appendix. 


Z"^?^ 


about  one  o'clock  p.m.,  and  were  followed  by  the  British 
troops  on  a  quick  march  to  within  fair  musket  shot  dis- 
tance of  the  line  of  our  intrenchments.  At  this  moment 
commenced  a  tremendous  discharge  of  cannon  ana 
musketry,  which  was  returned  with  equ  il  spirit  by  the 
Americans. 

For  thirty  or  forty  minutes  the  struggle  at  the  breast- 
works was  maintained  with  great  obstinacy.  Several 
charges  with  fixed  bayonets  were  made  by  the  English 
p-renadiers  with  but  little  effect.  Great  numbers  fell  on 
both  sides.  The  ardor  of  this  bloody  conflict  continued 
for  some  time  without  any  apparent  advantage  gained  by 
either  party.  At  length,  however,  the  assailants  began 
to  give  way,  preserving  good  order  in  a  regular  but  slow 
retreat  —  loading,  wheeling,  and  firing,  with  considera- 
ble effect.  The  Americans  followed  up  the  advantage 
they  had  gained,  by  a  brisk  and  well-directed  fire  of  field- 
pieces  and  musketry.  Col.  Morgan  with  his  riflemen 
hung  upon  the  left  wing  of  the  retreating  enemy,  and 
galled  them  by  a  most  destructive  fire.  Th^  line  of 
battle  now  became  extensive,  and  most  of  the  troops  of 
both  armies  were  brought  into  action.  The  principal 
part  of  the  ground  on  which  this  hard  day's  work  was 
done,  is  known  by  the  name  of  Freeman's  farm.  It 
was  then  covered  by  a  thin  growth  of  pitch-pine  wood 
without  under  brush,  excepting  one  lot  of  about  six  or 
eight  acres,  which  had  been  cleared  and  fenced.  On 
this  spot  the  Britsh  grenadiers,  under  the  com  nand  of 
the  brave  Major  Ackland,  made  a  stand,  and  brought 
together  some   of  their   field   artillery  i  this    little   field 


324      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


soon  became  literally  *' the  field  of  blood."  These 
grenadiers,  the  flower  of  the  royal  army,  unaccustomed 
to  yield  to  any  opposing  force  in  fair  field,  fought  with 
that  obstinate  spirit  which  borders  on  madness.  Ack- 
land  received  a  ball  through  both  legs,  which  rendered 
him  unable  to  walk  or  stand.  This  occurrence  hastened 
the  retreat  of  the  grenadiers,  leaving  the  ground  thickly 
strewed  with  their  dead  and  wounded. 

The  battle  was  continued  by  a  brisk  running  fire  until 
dark.  The  victory  was  complete  ;  leaving  the  Ameri- 
cans masters  of  the  field.  Thus  ended  a  battle  of  the 
highest  importance  in  its  consequences,  and  which  added 
great  lustre  to  the  American  arms.  I  have  seesi  no 
official  account  of  the  numbers  killed  and  wounded  ;  but 
the  loss  on  the  part  of  the  British  must  have  been  great, 
and  on  the  part  of  the  Americans  not  inconsiderable. 
The  loss  of  general  officers  suffered  by  the  royal  army 
was  peculiarly  severe.  Put  :o  return  to  the  Smith  house. 
I  mai't^  known  to  the  Smi^h  family  the  object  of  mv 
calling  upon  them  ;  found  them  polite  and  intelligent^ 
and  learned  from  them  many  interesting  particulars  re- 
specting the  battle  of  the  7th  of  October.  For  several 
days  previous  to  that  time  Gen  Burgoyne  had  made  that 
house  his  head-quarters,  accompanied  by  several  general 
officers  and  their  ladies,  among  whom  were  Gen.  Fraser, 
the  Baron  and  Bi 


■oness  Riedesel,  and  their  children. 

The  circumstances  attendi 

officer  have  presented  a  c 

men  are  divided  in  opinion.     The  facts  seem  to  be  agreed, 

that  soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  action.  Gen. 


ling  the  fall  of  this  gallant 
;stion  about  which   military 


yne, 

d."  These 
laccustomed 
fought  with 
ness.  Ack- 
ich  rendered 
[ice  hastened 
ound  thickly 

lino:  fire  until 
the   Ameri- 
battle  of  the 
which  added 
lave  seen   no 
'ounded  ;   but 
'e  been  great, 
iconsiderable. 
le  royal  army 
Smith  house, 
object   of  my 
d    intelligent^ 
Darticulars  re- 
For  several 
ad  made  that 
everal  general 
Gen.  Frascr, 
children, 
of  this  gallant 
vhich   military 
rn  to  be  agreed, 
e  action,  Gen. 


Appendix, 


r-"^ 


\K 


Arnold,  knowing  the  military  character  and  efficiency  of 
G^w  Eraser,  and  observing  his  motions  in  leading  and 
conducting  the  attack,  said  to  Col.  Morgan,  "  that  officer 
upon  a  grey  horse  is  of  himself  a  host,  and  must  be  dis- 
posed of.  Direct  the  attention  of  s  .me  of  the  sharp- 
shooters among  your  riflemen  to  him."  Morgan,  nod- 
ding his  assent  to  Arnold,  repaired  to  his  riflemen,  and 
made  known  to  them  the  hintij-iven  by  Arnold.  Imme- 
diately  upon  this,  the  crupper  of  the  grey  horse  was  cut 
off  by  a  rifle  bullet,  and  within  the  next  minute  another 
passed  through  the  horse's  mane,  a  little  back  of  his  ears. 
An  aid  of  Eraser  noticing  this,  observed  to  him,  ^'  Sir, 
it  is  evident  that  you  are  marked  out  for  particular  aim  \ 
would  it  not  be  prudent  for  vou  to  retire  from  this  place  ?" 
phraser  replied,  "my  duty  forbids  me  to  fly  from  dan- 
ger ;  "  and  immediately  received  a  bullet  through  his 
body.  A  few  grenadiers  were  detached  to  carry  him  to 
the  Smith  house. 

Having  introduced  the  name  of  Arnold,  it  may  be 
proper  to  note  here,  that  altliough  he  had  no  regular 
command  that  day,  he  volunteered  his  service,  was  early 
on  the  ground,  and  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  struggle  at 
the  redoubts.  He  behaved  (as  I  then  thought),  more 
like  a  madman  than  a  cool  and  discreet  officer.  Mounted 
on  a  brown  horse,  he  moved  incessantly  at  a  full  gallop 
back  and  forth,  until  he  received  a  wound  in  his  leg,  and 
his  horse  was  shot  under  him.  I  happened  to  be  near 
him  when  he  fell,  and  assisted  in  getting  him  into  a  litter 
to  be  carried  to  head-quarters. 

Late  in  the  evening  Gen.  Burgoyne  came  in,  and  a 


2^6      Campaign  of  General  John  Bu7'goyne, 

tender  scene  took  place  between  him  and  fraser.  Gen. 
Fraser  was  the  idol  of  the  British  army,  and  the  officer 
on  whom,  of  all  others,  Burgoyne  placed  the  greatest 
reliance.  He  languished  through  the  night,  and  expired 
at  eight  o'clock  the  next  morning.  While  on  his  death- 
bed he  advised  Burgoyne,  without  delay,  to  propose  to 
Gen.  Gates  terms  of  capitulation,  and  prevent  the  further 
effusion  of  blood  ;  that  the  situation  of  his  armv  was  now 
hopeless  ;  thev  could  neither  advance  nor  retreat.  He 
also  requested  that  he  might  be  buried  in  the  Great  re- 
doubt —  his  body  to  be  borne  thither  between  sunset  and 
dark,  by  a  body  of  the  grenadiers,  without  parade  or 
ceremony.     This  request  was  strictly  complied  with. 

After  viewing  the  house  to  my  satisfaction,  I  walked 
up  to  the  place  of  interment.  It  is  situated  on  an  ele- 
vated piece  of  ground,  commanding  an  extensive  view  of 
the  Hudson,  and  a  great  length  of  the  beautiful  interval 
on  each  side  of  it.  I  was  alone  ;  the  weather  was  calm 
and  serene.  Reflections  were  awakened  in  my  mind 
which  I  am  wholly  unable  to  describe.  Instead  of  the 
bustle  and  hum  of  the  camp,  and  confused  noise  of  the 
battle  of  the  warrior,  and  the  shouts  of  victory  which  I 
here  witnessed  fifty  years  ago,  all  was  now  silent  as  the 
abodes  of  the  dead.  And  indeed  far,  far  the  greatest  part 
of  both  those  armies  who  were  then  in  active  life  at  and 
near  this  spot,  are  now  mouldering  in  their  graves,  like 
that  valiant  officer  whose  remains  are  under  my  feet  — 
"  their  memories  and  their  names  lost,"  while  God,  in 
his  merciful  Providence,  has  preserved  my  life,  and 
after   the  lapse  of  half  a     entury   has  afforded  me  an 


I;  I 


oyne, 

aser.     Gen. 
id  the  officer 
the  greatest 
,  and  expired 
on  his  death- 
o  propose  to 
^.t  the  further 
rmv  was  now 
retreat.      He 
the  Great  re- 
en  sunset  and 
)ut  parade  or 
plied  with, 
ion,  1  walked 
ed  on  an  ele- 
msive  view  ot 
utiful  interval 
ler  was  calm 
in   my  mind 
nsteid  of  the 
/  noise  of  the 
ctory  which  I 
silent  as  the 
greatest  part 
ve  life  at  and 
r  graves,  like 
er  my  feet  — 
/hile  God,  in 
my    life,    and 
Forded  me  an 


Appendix. 


3V 


opportunity  of  once  more  vicwini^  those  places  which 
force  upon  my  mind  many  interesting  recollections  of  my 
youthful  days. 

Oct.  19th.  On  mv  return  down  the  river  from 
Albany  to  New  York,  in  the  steamboat  North  America, 
I  had  leisure  and  opportunity  for  reflecting  upon  the 
immense  wealth  and  resources  of  the  state  of  New 
York  —  greater,  I  believe,  at  this  time  than  that  of  any 
other  two  states  in  the  Union.  It  would  be  hazarding 
nothing  to  say,  that  this  single  state  possessscs  more 
physical  power,  and  more  of  the  "  sinews  of  war,"  than 
were  employed  by  the  whole  thirteen  states  through  the 
war  of  the  Revolution.  This  among  other  considertions, 
led  me  to  the  reflection  how  honorable  it  would  be  to 
the  state,  and  how  deserving  of  the  occasion,  that  a 
monument  be  erected  at  or  near  the  place  where  the 
royal  army  surrendered  by  capitulation  on  the  17th  of 
October,  1777,  in  commemoration  of  an  event  so  im- 
portant in  our  national  history.  The  battle  of  the  7th 
of  October  may  be  considered,  in  its  effects  and  conse- 
quences, as  the  termination  of  the  war,  with  as  much 
propriety  as  that  o\'  Bunker's  hill  was  the  commence- 
ment of  it. 

I  am.  Sir, 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Samuel  Woodruff. 

William  L.  Stone,  Esq. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


i  1.0 


1.1 


^1^  1^ 

Iffi   12.0 


IIS 


IL25  IH  1.4 


HA 
1.6 


6"     — 


/^ 


Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


^ 


■O' 


;\ 


V 


\ 


V 


^ 


6^ 


<<^.^ 


23  WfST  MAIN  STRiST 

WiBSTIR.N.Y.  USIO 

(716)  S7a-4S03 


^> 


328      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


No.  VI. 

Eraser's  Remains,  probable  Origin  of  the  Tradi- 
tion OF  their  having  been  removed. 

The  iollowing  incident,  printed  in  The  Old  Settler  in 
1851  is  certainly  most  curious;  nor  have  I  any  doubt 
but  that  the  tradition  lield  to  this  day  at  Wilbur's  basin 
of  the  remains  ot  General  Fraser  having  been  removed  to 
England,  had  its  rise  in  the  circumstances  here  related. 
This  opinion,  moreover,  receives,  in  my  mind,  additional 
confirmation  in  the  fact  that  P.  Stansbury,  who  published  an 
account  of  his  visit  to  the  battle  ground  in  1821,  states  that 
the  farmers  there  told  hun  that  Fraser's  body  had  "  lately 
been  taken  to  England."  This  date,  it  will  be  observed 
(1821)  corresponds  exactly  with  the  one  mentioned  by 
Peter  Barker. 

An  Incident  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign. 

Mr.  Allen  —  About  thirty  years  ago,  the  late  Peter 
Barker,  then  of  Schuylerville,  Saratoga  county,  related 
to  me  an  .'xtraordinar\'  circumstance  which  occurred  in 
that  village,  during  the  time  he  was  proprietor  of  the 
hotel,  and  also  land  agent  of  Philip  Schuyler,  Esq. 
'Tis  an  c/^  affair,  and  may  perhaps  be  interesting  to  the 
readers  of  The  Old  Settler.  From  a  memoran-.him  made 
at  the  time,  I  am  enabled  to  give  you  the  precise  language 
of  Mr.  Barker.  He  said  :  "  One  morning  a  carriage  drove 
up  to  my  door,  from  wliich  there  alighted  three  gentle- 
men—  one  very  aged,  the  other  two  much  younger. 
On  learning  that  Mr.  Schuyler  was  absent  (for  whom 
they  inquired),  they  informed  me  that  their  business  with 


oyne. 


Appendix, 


329 


THE  TrADI- 
3VED. 

Old  Settler  in 
t  I  any  doubi 
Wilbur's  basin 
^n  1  tmoved  to 
iK^re  related, 
ind,  additional 
10  published  an 
121,  states  that 
ly  had  ''  lately 
ill  be  observed 
mentioned  by 

'AIGN. 

:he  late  Peter 
lated 


re 


ounty, 
h  occurred  in 
prietor  of  the 
huyler,    Esq. 
iresting  to  the 
)ran''um  made 
ecise  language 
carriage  drove 
three  gentle- 
uch    younger, 
nt  (for  whom 
business  with 


him  was  to  obtain  permission  to  remove  the  remains  of 
a  relative,  who  was  many  years  ago  buried  on  his  land. 
I  replied,  that  as  agent  of  Mr.  Schuyler,  I  would  not 
only  grant  the  permission,  but  would  render  them  any 
assistance  in  my  power  to  rfFect  the  object  of  their  visit. 
They  thanked  me,  and  requested  me  to  order  a  box  to 
be  made,  sufficiently  large  to  contain  the  bones  of  a 
person,  and  also  to  engage  six  men  to  be  in  attendance 
when  wanted,  with  implements  for  digging  ;  and  after 
ordering  an  early  dinner,  they  left  the  house,  on  foot. 
They  were  absent  about  two  hours.  On  their  return, 
they  intimated  to  me  that  they  had  discovered  the  grave. 
After  eating  a  hasty  dinner,  we  summoned  the  men  ; 
and  having  obtained  the  box,  started  under  the  guidance 
of  the  old  gentleman.  He  led  us  to  the  plain  east  of  the 
house,  and  about  half  wav  to  the  river,  to  a  large  primi- 
tive elm  tree,  where  he  ordered  us  to  stop.  He  then, 
with  a  pocket  compass,  ascertained  the  due  north  course 
from  the  tree,  and  measured  off  a  ceitain  distance  from 
the  tree  by  pacing :  there  he  stuck  a  stake.  After 
spending  half  an  hour  or  more  in  measuring  and  remeasur- 
ing,  he  marked  on  the  surface  of  the  ground  an  oblong 
square  of  about  five  by  eight  feet,  and  directed  the  work- 
men to  there  commence  digging,  giving  them  particular 
directions  if  they  should  discover  anything  like  rotten  or 
decayed  wood  to  stop.  At  the  depth  of  four  feet  such 
a  discovery  was  made.  The  old  gentleman,  much 
agitated,  got  into  the  pit,  and  under  his  direction  the 
earth  was  carefully  removed  from  off  the  decayed  wood, 
which  was  in  length  about  seven  feet  Beneath  the 
wood   was  another  decayed   substance,  which   the  old 


33 o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

gentleman  said  was  the  remains  of  woolen  blankets  ; 
and,  on  removing  that  covering,  human  bones  were  dis- 
covered ;  with  them,  the  remains  of  two  bayonets,  which 
appeared  to  have  been  crossed  on  the  breast  —  a  silver 
stock  buckle,  a  gold  masonic  medal,  and  several  musket 
balls,  by  which  the  remains  were  fully  identified  by  the 
old  gentleman,  who,  with  his  own  hands,  the  tears 
streaming  down  his  cheeks,  and  with  the  greatest  care 
and  reverence,  gathered  up  all  the  bones  and  ashes,  and 
placed  them  in  the  box  which  was  carefully  closed. 

"It  was  dark  when  we  returned  to  the  house.  After 
supper,  the  two  young  gentlemen  invited  me  to  their  room, 
to  give  me  an  explanation  of  the  singular  events  of  the 
day.  They  said  the  remains  they  had  removed,  were 
those  of  a  British  officer  in  Burgoyne*s  army,  in  the  war 
of  the  Revolution,  and  the  old  gentleman  who  accompanied 
them  was  the  servant  of  that  officer.  The  officer  was 
mortally  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Saratoga.  His  servant 
(the  old  gentleman)  and  three  of  his  soldiers  carried  him 
off  the  field  of  battle  in  blankets,  and  as  far  north  as  the 
elm  tree,  under  which  he  died.  The  servant  was  de- 
termined, and  did  most  effectually  mark  the  place,  that 
the  grave  might  be  found,  should  occasion  ever  after- 
wards require.  They  hastily  dug  a  grave,  laid  the  body 
in  it  in  full  dress,  covered  it  first  with  several  blankets, 
then  with  three  or  four  boards,  and  filled  it  up  with 
earth. 

"After  peace  the  servant  returned  to  England,  and  for 
many  years  afterwards  importuned  the  family  of  that 
officer  to  send  him  over  for  the  remains.  They  placed 
but  little  reliance  upon  his  representations  and  declined 


\oyne, 

en   blankets  ; 
nes  were  dis- 
^onets,  which 
ist  —  a  silver 
jveral  musket 
ntified  by  the 
ds,  the    tears 
greatest  care 
nd  ashes,  and 
y  closed, 
louse.      After 
to  their  room, 
events  of  the 
amoved,  were 
ny,  in  the  war 
)  accompanied 
le  officer  was 
His  servant 
rs  carried  him 
r  north  as  the 
vant  was  de- 
:he  place,  that 
)n  ever  after- 
,  laid  the  body 
eral  blankets, 
ed   it  up   with 


igland,  and  for 

family  of  that 

They  placed 

;  and  declined 


•  rvn-  3  prf-t   fr;' 


^jj"r  Rj^r^nsT  /_''."  xvj 


Appendix, 


33^ 


.loing  it  -,  and  so  the  matter  rested  until  that  time,  when 
(he  old  gentleman  became  so  importunate,  giving  them  no 
,'eace,  that  they,  grandsons  of  the  officer,  finally  decided 
<>  gratify  him  by  bringing  him  over  to  this  country,  but 
without,  they  said,  the  least  hope  or  expectation  of  suc- 
cess i  and  they  attributed  the  finding  of  the  remains  moi'e 
'i  accident,  than  to  the  recollection  of  the  old  gentle- 
»nan.  '  J. 

Troy^  May^  i85»i. 

No.  VII. 

Lady  Ackland.  a 

The  following  remarks  on  Lady  Harriet  Ackland  — 
says  Mr.  F.onblanque  in  his  Life  of  Burgoyne  —  are  ex- 
tracted from  a  letter  written  by  Miss  Warburton  (Bur- 
LToyne's  niece)  to  her  nephew,  the  late  Sir  John  Burgoyne 
ot  Crimean  fame,  while  a  boy  at  school : 

"  You  will  be  curious,  I  do  not  doubt,  to  know  the 
pquel  of  this  incomparable  woman's  history,  and  as  far  as 
!  :im  able  I  will  give  it  you.  She  had  the  happiness  to  see 
her  husband  perfectly  recovered  from  his  wounds,  shortly 
atrer  which  he  was  unfortunately  involved  in  an  affair  of 
li<  tnor  in  consequence  of  some  disagreement  with  a  brother 
i>fficer  in  Americ  during  the  preceding  campaign.  They 
fought  with  swords,  and  Major  Ackland,  in  making  a 
pass  at  his  adversary,  slipped  and  fell  forward  with  great 
•- loience.  It  happened  that  a  small  pebble  lay  within 
reach  of  his  fall,  and  he  struck  his  temple  u[M)n  it  with 
such  force  that  instant  death  ensued.  Imagine  to  your- 
self the  wretchedness  of  Lady  Harriet  on  this  unhappy 
event.     Attached  to  him  as  she  was,  having  suffered  so 


!Ujn)T  "HL-jRuniET  Acxijiit'::' 


Appendix, 


33^ 


doing  it  ;  and  so  the  matter  rested  until  that  time,  when 
the  old  gentleman  became  so  importunate,  giving  them  no 
peace,  that  they,  grandsons  of  the  officer,  finally  decided 
to  gratify  him  by  bringing  him  over  to  this  country,  but 
without,  they  said,  the  least  hope  or  expectation  of  suc- 
cess ;  and  they  attributed  the  finding  of  the  remains  more 
to  accident,  than  to  the  recollection  of  the  old  gentle- 
man. J. 
Troy^  May^  1 851. 

No.  VII. 
Lady  Ackland. 

The  following  remarks  on  Lady  Harriet  Ackland  — 
says  Mr.  f'.onblanque  in  his  Life  of  Burgoyne  —  are  ex- 
tracted from  a  letter  written  by  Miss  Warburton  (Bur- 
goyne's  niece)  to  her  nephew,  the  late  Sir  John  Burgoyne 
of  Crimean  fame,  while  a  boy  at  school : 

"  You  will  be  curious,  I  do  not  doubt,  to  know  the 
sequel  of  this  incomparable  woman's  history,  and  as  far  as 
I  am  able  I  will  give  it  you.  She  had  the  happiness  to  see 
her  husband  perfectly  recovered  from  his  wounds,  shortly 
after  which  he  was  unfortunately  involved  in  an  affair  of 
honor  in  consequence  of  some  disagreement  with  a  brother 
officer  in  America  during  the  preceding  campaign.  They 
fought  with  swords,  and  Major  Ackland,  in  making  a 
pass  at  his  adversary,  slipped  and  fell  forw?»*d  with  great 
violence.  It  happened  that  a  small  pebble  lay  within 
reach  of  his  fall,  arid  he  struck  his  temple  upon  it  with 
such  force  that  instant  death  ensued.  Imagine  to  your- 
self the  wretchedness  of  Lady  Harriet  on  this  unhappy 
event.     Attached  to  him  as  she  was,  having  suffered  so 


22'^      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


ml 


much  for    his  sake,  and   having,  as    she   hoped,  brought 
him    home   to  safely  and  a    life  of  future   happiness,  to 
have  all  this  cheering  prospect  dashed  at  once  in  so  mis- 
erable a  manner,  was,  one  womM  have  thought,   more 
than   human  nature  could  support  or  sustain.      But  she 
had  a  mind    superior   to  every  trial,   and  even   this,    her 
severest  infliction,  she  bore  up  under  with  resignation  and 
fortitude.      I  saw  her  agciin  many  years  afterwards,  when 
her  sorrows  had  been  somewhat  tempered  by  time.     She 
was   still    handsome,   but  her   bloom  and  vivacity  were 
gone.     I  placed  myself  where  I  could  unobserved  con- 
template the  change  she  had  undergone  since  I  had  first 
seen   her.      Her   countenance  was   mild  and   placid,  but 
there  was  a  look  of  tendei  melancholy  mingled  with  re- 
signation that  made  her  the  most  interesting  object  I  had 
ever  beheld.     *     *     Whilst  we  render  this  tribute  to 
the   virtue   of  Lady    Harriet,    let   us   not   overlook   the 
heroic  conduct  of  Mr.    Brudenell.      I  cannot    conceive 
courage  and  fortitude  exceeding  that  which  he  displayed 
at  the  funeral  of  General  Fraser.     There  was  on   that 
occasion  every  tiling  to  app^l  the  strongest  mind  ;  that 
under  such  circumstances  h^  should  not  ojly  go  through 
the  solemn  service  with  deliberation,  but  that  his  voice 
should   [^reserve  its  firmness,  is  I    think,  an  instance  of 
the  most  determined  resolution  that  ever  was  exhibited."  ' 
Lady  Ackland,  or  rather  Mrs.  Brudenell,  died  on  the 
2 1st  of  July,  1815. 


»  *'  There  is  a  sequel  to  this  romantic  story  which  Miss  Warburton  forgot 
to  mention  ;  Lady  Harriet  Ackland  ultimately  became  the  wife  of  Mr. 
Brudenell." — Note  by  Fonblanquc. 


your 
as  th( 
with< 
those 
the  VI 
a  sol( 
W 
cumst 
the  h( 
after 


oyne, 

ped,  brought 
happiness,  to 
ce  in  so  mis- 
oueht,   more 
in.      But  she 
/en    this,    her 
jsignation  and 
rwards,  when 
by  time.     She 
vivacity  were 
observed  con- 
ice  I  had  first 
id   placid,  but 
ngled  with  re- 
g  object  I  had 
:his  tribute  to 
overlook   the 
inot    conceive 
1  he  displayed 
e  was  on   that 
St  mind  -,  that 
jy  go  through 
that  his  voice 
an  instance  of 
as  exhibited."  ' 
11,  died  on  the 


5S  Warburton  forgot 
le  the  wife  of  Mr. 


Appendix. 


No.  VIII. 


ZZ2^ 


Statement  by  Sergeant  Lamb  of  the  Royal 
Welsh  Fusileers  in  regard  to  the  Burning  of 
General  Schuyler's  House  and  Barns. 

Some  letters  passed  between  the  opposed  generals. 
The  first  was  from  General  Burgoyne,  by  Lady  Ackland, 
whose  husband  was  dangerously  wounded  and  a  prisoner, 
recommending  her  ladvship  to  the  care  and  protection  of 
General  Gates.  Gates's  answer  was  pointed  with  the 
sharpest  irony,  in  which  he  expresses  his  surprise  that 
his  excellency,  after  considering  his  preceding  conduct, 
should  think  that  he  could  consider  the  ^'  eatest  attention 
to  Lady  Ackland  in  the  light  of  an  obligation.  These 
epistles,  although  mere  communications  between  indi- 
viduals, and  frequently  on  private  afi^airs,  yet  serve  to 
portray  the  disposition  of  the  times^  and  unveil  the  cause 
that  gave  rise  to  the  unhappy  contest, 

"The  cruelties,"  added  he,  "which  mark  the  retreat  of 
your  army,  in  burning  the  gentlemen's  and  farmer's  houses 
as  they  went  along,  are  almost,  among  civilized  nations, 
without  a  precedent ;  they  should  not  endeavor  to  ruin 
those  they  cannot  conquer  ;  this  conduct  betrays  more 
the  vindictive  malice  of  a  monk,  than  the  generosity  of 
a  soldier." 

What  gave  rise  to  this  charge  was  the  following  cir- 
cumstance. On  the  west  bank  of  Hudson's  river,  near 
the  height  of  Saratoga,  where  the  British  army  halted 
after   their   retreat,  stood    General  Schuyler's   dwelling 

29 


i 


i 


m 


334      Campaign  of  Genera/  'John  Burgoyne. 

house,  with  a  range  of  barracks,  sturc-houses,  etc.  The 
evening  the  army  arrived  at  these  buildings,  the  weather 
being  very  wet  and  cold,  the  sick  and  wounded  were 
directed  to  take  possession  of  these  barracks,  while  the 
troops  took  post  on  the  height  above  it.  In  the  course 
of  the  night,  the  barracks  took  fire  by  accident,  and, 
being  built  of  wood,  were  soon  consumed.  It  was  with 
the  greatest  difficulty  that  the  wounded  soldiers  were 
rescured  from  the  flames.'  Two  days  after  this,  the 
enemy  had  formed  a  plan  of  attack  ;  a  large  column  of 
troops  was  approaching  to  pass  the  river,  preparatory  to 
a  general  action.  This  column  was  entirely  covered 
from  the  fire  of  the  British  artillery  by  some  of  these 
buildings.  Geneial  Burgoyne  ordered  them  to  be  set 
on  fire  ;  but  so  far  was  the  sufferer  from  putting  an  in- 
vidious construction  upon  that  action,  that  one  of  the 
first  persons  General  Burgoyne  saw  after  the  convention 
was  signed  was  the  owner,  General  Schuyler ;  who,  in- 
stead of  blaming  the  English  general,  owned  he  would 
have  done  the  same  upon  the  like  occasion,  or  words  to 
that  effect. 

Correspondence  between  Gates  and  Burgoyne. 

The  following  is  the  correspondence  between  the  two 
generals  referred  to  by  Sergeant  Lamb.  It  will  be  seen 
to  differ  somfewhat  from  the  copy  extract  given  by  him. 


»  The  author  was   in  the  hou&e  when  it  toolc   fire,  and   it  was   with  the 
greatest  difficulty  he  escaped. 


lyne, 

,,  etc.     The 
the  weather 
)uiulecl   were 
cs,  while  the 
n  the  course 
xident,  and, 
It  was  with 
jolJiers   were 
ftcr  this,  the 
re  column  of 
iieparaiory  to 
irelv    covered 
3me  of  these 
J  em  to  be  set 
putting  an  in- 
it   one  of  the 
le  convention 
ler  ;  who,  in- 
led  he  would 
J,  or  words  to 

BURGOYNE. 

ween  the  two 
t  will  be  seen 
aiven  by  him. 

id   it  was   with  the 


Appendix, 


32S 


General  Burgovne  to  General  Gates. 

^'  Sir  :  Lady  Harriet  Ackland,  a  ladv  of  the  first  dfs- 
tinction  by  familr  rank  and  by  personal  virtues,  is  under 
such  concern  on  account  of  iMajor  Acklaml  her  husband, 
wounded  and  a  prisoner  m  your  hands,  that  I  cannot 
refuse  her  request  to  commit  her  to  your  protection. 

"  Whatever  general  impropriety  there  may  be  in  persons 
acting  in  your  situation  and  mine  to  solicit  favors,  I  cannot 
s'ee  the  uncommon  perseverance  in  every  female  grace, 
and  exaltation  of  character  of  this  ladv,  and  her  very  hard 
fortune  without  testifying  that  your  attentions  to  her  will 
lay  me  under  obligation. 

"  I  am  Sir, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

'•'  J.  Burgoyne. 
'^  Oct.  gtb^  ^777- 

'"  Maj.  Gen.  Gates." 

General  Gates  to  General  Burgoyne.* 

"Saratoga,   Oct.  iiM,  1777. 

"  Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  receive  vour  excellency's 
letter  by  Lady  Ackland.  The  respect  due  to  her  lady- 
ship's rank,  the  tenderness  due  to  her  person  and  sex 
were  alone  sufficient  securities  to  entitle  her  to  my  pro- 
tection if  you  copsider  my  preceding  conduct  with  respect 
to  those  of  your  army  whom  the  fortune  of  war  has 
placed  in  my  hands.  1  am  surprised  that  your  excellency 
should  think  that  I  could  consider  the  greatest  attention 
to  Lady  Ackland  in  tlie  light  of  an  obligation. 


J ^6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


"  The  cruelties  which  mark  the  retreat  ot  your  army,  in 
burning  gentlemen's  and  farmers'  houses  as  they  pass 
along,  is  almost,  among  civilized  nations,  without  a  pre- 
cedent. They  should  not  endeavor  to  ruin  those  they 
could  not  conquer.  This  conduct  betrays  more  of  the 
vindictive  malice  of  a  bigot,  than  the  generosity  of  a 
soldier. 

"Your  friend,  Sir  Francis  Clerke,  by  the  information 
of  Dr.  Potts,  the  director-general  of  my  hospital,  lan- 
guishes under  a  dangerous  wound.  Every  sort  of  tendei"- 
ness  and  attention  is  pa-d  him,  as  well  as  to  all  the 
wounded  who  have  fallen  into  my  hands,  and  the  hospital, 
which  you  were  obliged  to  leave  to  my  mercy. 

"  At  the  solicitation  of  iVIajor  Williams  I  am  prevailed 
upon  to  ofter  him  and  Major  Wiborn  in  exchange  for 
Colonel  Ethan  Allen.  Your  excellency's  objections 
to  my  last  proposals  for  the  exchange  of  Colonel  Ethan 
Allen  I  must  consider  trifling,  as  I  cannot  but  suppose 
that  the  generals  of  the  royal  armies  act  in  equal  concert 
with  those  of  the  generals  of  the  armies  of  the  United 
States. 

''  The  bearer  delivers  a  number  of  letters  from  the 
officers  of  your  army  taken  prisoners  in  the  action  of  the 
yth. 

"  1  am.  Sir, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  humble  servant, 

"  Horatio  Gates. 

"  Lt.  General  Burgovne." 


yne. 


Appendix. 


337 


our  army,  in 
IS  they  pass 
ithout  a  pre- 
i  those  they 
more  of  tlic 
lerosity  of  a 

;  information 
hospital,  lan- 
ort  of  tendei-- 
is  to  all  the 
1  the  hospital, 
:rcy. 

[  am  prevailed 
exchange  for 
s  objections 
olonel  Ethan 
but  suppose 
equal  concert 
3f  the  United 

tters  from  the 
;  action  of  the 


servant, 

10    CjATES. 


Memorandum  of  a  Message  delivered  by  Major 
Kingston  from  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne 
TO  General  Gates  in  answer  to  the  above 
letter. 

"  The  general  from  a  great  deal  of  business  did  not 
yesterday  answer  your  letter  about  the  officers,  but  in- 
tended it. 

"  In  regard  to  the  reproaches  made  upon  this  army  of 
burning  the  country,  they  are  unjust  ;  General  Schuyler's 
house,  and  adjacent  buildings  remained  protected  till 
General  Gates's  troops  approached  the  ford.  General 
Burgoyne  owns  the  order  for  setting  fire  at  that  tune  to 
any  thing  that  covered  the  movement. 

"  The  barracks,  particularly  took  fire  by  mere  acci- 
dent, and  measures  were  taken,  though  ineffectual,  to 
save  them.  If  there  has  been  any  vindictive  spirit  in 
burning  other  buildings  on  the  march,  it  has  probably 
been  employed  by  some  secret  well-wishers  to  the 
American  cause,  as  General  Burgoyne  has  been  informed 
some  of  the  buildings  belonged  to  supposed  friends  of 
the  king.  The  general  does  not  think  that  General 
Gates  has  a  right,  from  any  thing  that  has  appeared  in  his 
conduct  or  reasoning,  to  make  use  of  the  term  trifling  ; 
and  he  still  persists,  that  he  cannot  interfere  with  the 
prisoners  in  General  Howe's  army,  and  more  especially 
in  a  case  that  has  been  under  negotiation  between  Gene- 
ral Howe  and  General  Washington." 


338        Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


No.  IX. 
Jane  McCrea  and  Sketch  of  Fort  Edward. 

Fort  Edward,  a  short  distance  from  which  the  death 
of  Jane  McCrea  took  place,  has  an  important  place  in 
American  history.  In  colonial  times  it  was  a  central 
point  of  interest  both  to  the  whites  and  Indians.  In  the 
wars  of  Queen  Anne,  the  Old  French,  and  Seven 
Years  War,  both  sides  were  equally  anxious  to  possess  it, 
and,  in  consequence,  many  thrilling  adventures  occurred 
in  its  vicinity. 

The  first  white  man,  says  Sir  William  Johnson,  who 
settled  in  the  town,  was  Colonel  John  Henry  Lydius  son 
of  a  Dutch  minister  of  Albany.  Lydius  was  a  man  of 
extensive  acquaintance  with  the  Indians,  having  resided 
much  among  them,  in  Canada  for  several  years  where  he 
married,  and  again  at  Lake  George.  He  erected  several 
mills  on  an  island  opposite  the  present  village  ;  and  hence 
the  names  the  place  long  went  by  —  Lydius's  Mills. 
Ilis  daughter  Catherine  Lydius  was  the  first  white  child 
born  in  Washington  Co.  The  street  in  the  village  of 
Fort  Edward,  now  Broadwav,  was  formerly  called  Ly- 
dius  after  the  founder.  Col.  Lydius  carried  on  an  ex- 
tensive trade  with  the  Indians  at  this  point  for  several 
years.  He  was,  however,  extremely  unpopular  with 
these  people,  who  justly  accused  him  of  having,  on  various 
occasions,  cheated  them  in  land  transactions.  This  feel- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  at  length  culminated  in 
1749,  in  which  year  they  burned  his  house  on  the  island 
and  took  his  son  prisonc;. 


Sii 
Ci 

dil 

foi 

Ai 

ol( 

col 

an 

sp( 

m( 

fet 

ca 

st( 


)yne. 


DWARD. 

1  the  death 
mt  place  in 
as  a  central 
&ns.  In  the 
and  Seven 
;o  possess  it, 
res  occurred 

)hnson,  who 
i^  Lvdius  son 
/as  a  man  of 
iving  resided 
ars  where  he 
ected  several 
: ;  and  hence 
dius's  Mills, 
t  white  child 
he  village  of 
y  called  Ly- 
:d  on  an  ex- 
it for  several 
popular  with 
ig,  on  various 
i.  This  feel- 
ulmiiiated  in 
on  the  island 


Appendix. 


339 


Old  Fort  Edward  stood  on  the  east  bank  of  the 
Hudson,  a  ^^^^^^  rods  below  the  present  rail  road  bridge. 
Nothing  iiow  remains  of  it  except,  as  in  the  case  of  Fort 
Hardy,  a  few  slight  mounds,  where  were  the  earth  works, 
and  the  broken  bricks  and  pottery  which  are  mixed  plen- 
tifully with  the  soil.  At  the  best,  it  consisted  only  of  a 
square  fortified  by  two  bastions  on  tlie  east  side,  and  by 
two  demi  bastions  on  the  side  toward  the  river.  It  was 
built  in  1700,  by  the  English,  for  the  protection  of  the 
northern  frontier,  and  was  called  Fort  Nicholson,  after 
Col.  Nicholson.  After  the  failure,  however,  of  that 
officer's  remarkable  though  entirely  abortive,  expedition 
for  the  subjugation  of  Canada  —  an  expedition  the  or- 
ganization of  which  cost  the  colonies  and  that  of  New 
York  in  particular  a  vast  amount  of  money  —  the  fort 
was  abandoned  and  allowed  to  go  to  decay. 

In  1755,  the  English,  under  General,  and  afterward 
Sir  William  Johnson,  made  a  forward  movement  toward 
Canada.  As  one  of  the  preliminary  steps  to  this  expe- 
dition General  Phineas  Lyman,  with  600  men  was  sent 
forward  to  the  site  of  Fort  Lydius  in  the  beginning  of 
August  of  that  year,  to  rebuild  the  fort.  The  site  of  the 
old  fortification  was  abandoned,  because  it  was  too  much 
commanded,  and  a  large  redoubt,  with  a  simple  parapet 
and  a  wretched  palisade,  was  built  on  a  more  elevated 
spot  not  far  distant.  Within  were  small  barracks  for  200 
men.  The  ramparts  of  earth  and  timber  were  sixteen 
feet  high  and  twenty-two  feet  thick,  and  mounted  six 
cannon.  On  the  island  opposite,  were  also  barracks  and 
store-houses.     It  received  the  name  of  Fort  Lyman,  and 


340      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


was  a  most  important  depot  for  the  munitions  of  war 
in  the  northern  movement  of  the  English  forces  ;  besides 
which  it  was  a  general  rendezvous  of  the  army  and  be- 
came after  a  large  hospital  for  the  sick  and  wounded. 
It  also  received  the  name  of  "The  Great  carrying- 
place" —  the  reason  for  this  designation  being  that  the 
rapids  and  falls  in  the  river  above  the  fort  made  it  im- 
possible to  ascend  any  further  with  the  bateaux.  Con- 
sequently, the  goods,  arms  and  ammunition  were  here 
unloaded,  and  carried  overland  either  to  Wood  creek  at 
Fort  Anne,  when  they  were  reshipped,  and  taken  to  Lake 
Champlain,  or  else  to  the  head  of  Lake  George  and 
thence  down  the  lake  to  the  carrying-place  at  its  foot. 

\i\  1755,  Israel  Putnam  was  in  Gen.  Lyman's  regi- 
ment, as  the  captain  of  a  company,  and  was  probably 
with  him  at  the  rebuilding  of  the  fort.  He  was  fre- 
quently there  during  that  and  two  succeeding  years,  and 
formed  a  headquarters  for  himself  and  his  rangers.  In 
1757  he  performed  some  heroic  feats  in  its  behalf.  A 
band  of  Indians  approached  it  with  the  secrecy  and 
craftiness  so  characteristic  of  the  race,  and  attempted  to 
surprise  and  capture  the  garrison,  but  Putnam,  then  a 
major,  was  not  easily  taken.  He  and  his  men  were 
ready  for  the  savages  and  put  them  speedily  to  flight. 
In  the  winter  of  the  same  year,  the  fort  was  accidentally 
set  on  fire.  The  flames  spread  rapidly,  and  for  a  time 
it  looked  as  though  everything  would  be  destroyed. 
The  powder  magazine  was  in  great  danger,  as  the  flames 
were  getting  very  near  it.  Putnam  placed  himself  be- 
tween the  fire  and  the  magazine,  and  for  an  hour  and  a 


lyne. 

:ions  of  war 
ces  ;  besides 
rmy  and  he- 
ld wounded, 
at  carrying- 
ing  that  the 
made  it  im- 
^aux.  Con- 
n  were  here 
ood  creek  at 
iken  to  Lake 
George  and 
It  its  foot, 
yman's  regi- 
^as  probably 
-le  was  fre- 
g  years,  and 
angers.     In 

behalf.  A 
secrecy  and 
ittempted  to 
lam,  then  a 
men  were 
ly  to  flight. 

accidentally 
d  for  a  time 
:  destroyed, 
is  the  flames 

himself  be- 
hour  and  a 


Appendix. 


341 


half  fought  with  the  flames  until  they  were  finally  sub- 
dued.    The  covering  of  the  magazine  was  scorched  and 
blackened,  and  the  brave  Putnam  came  out  of  the  con- 
flict  with   his   face,  arms  and   hands   fearfully    burned. 
Many  weeks  passed  before  he  recovered  from  his  injuries. 
Two  years  afterward,   1758,   Putnam  and  a  few  of  his 
followers   were    again   chased    by   the   Indians   in   their 
canoes  to  a  short  distance  below  the  fort.     Thev  were 
in  a  bateau  and  rapidly  rowed  down  the  river  with  their 
pursuers   close   behind  them  ;    approaching   the    falls  at 
Fort  Miller,  there  seemed  to  be  no  way  of  escape  but 
by  going  over  them.     So  the  bateau  was  steered  to  the 
falls  and  went  over  the  verge.     The  Indians  fired,  and 
looked  for  the  utter  destruction  of  the  crew,  when  to 
their  amazement  they  were  seen  gliding    rapidly   away 
unharmed.     Neither   the   leap   over  the   falls,   nor   the 
rapids  below,  nor  their  bullets  had  harmed  their  supposed 
victims  ;  and  henceforth,  the  Indians  considered  Putnam 
under  the  special  protection  of  the  Great  Spirit. 

The  fort  retained  the  name  of  For"  Lyman  but  a  few 
years,  when  it  was  changed  to  Fort  Edward  in  honor  of 
Edward,  Duke  of  York,  a  grandson  of  George  II  and 
brother  of  George  III.  During  the  revolutionary  war 
it  was  at  times  held  by  the  British  but  was  the  greater 
portion  of  the  time  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans, 
affording  protection  to  the  farmers  of  the  surrounding 
country  who  frequently  flocked  into  it  when  fearful  of 
the  incursions  of  Indians  and  tories. 

On  the  approach  of  Burgoyne'sarmy  from  Fort  Anne 
it  was  evacuated  by  the  Americans,  by  order  of  Schuyler 


342      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


until  after  the  surrender  of  the  British  army  at  Saratoga.* 
While  B  jrgoyne  lay  at  Fort  Miller,  it  was  occupied  a 
portion  ol' the  time  by  General  Riedesel  with  his  Bruns- 
wickers.  While  here  Riedesel  buried  two  large  bateaux 
inside  of  the  fort  for  the  benefit  of  Col.  St.  Leger  in 
case  the  latter  should  retreat  by  way  of  this  place,  mark- 
ing the  spot  by  two  crosses  to  give  the  appearance  of 
two  graves.  St.  Leger,  however,  fell  back  on  Oswego; 
and  the  bateaux  were  afterward  found  by  the  Americans 
{see  Life  of  Reidesel  and  Gordon).  Reidesel  was  also 
quartered  for  three  weeks  on  the  garrison  ground  at  Fort 


*  It  was  while  Schuyler  lay  at  Fort  Edward,  before  he  fell  back,  that  he 
resorted  to  a  trick  or  expedient  to  delay  Burgoyne's  march. 

''Frederick  the  Great,  after  Liegnizt,  i6th  August,  1760,  caused  a  letter 
or  despatch  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Russian  General  v'lhernicheff, 
which  induced  the  Muscovite,  with  every  chance  of  success  before  him,  to 
retire  precipitately.  In  Schuyler's  case  he  likewise  by  astuteness,  turned 
the  tables  on  his  enemy.  A  communication  had  been  sent  by  one  Mr. 
Levins,  from  Canada,  to  Gen.  Sullivan.  It  was  concealed  under  the  false 
bottom  of  a  canteen.  Schuyler  substituted  an  answer  worded  in  such  a 
manner  that  if  it  reached  Burgoyne  it  would  cause  him  the  greatest  per- 
plexity. Its  purport  he  confided  to  certain  parties  around  him,  and  then 
sent  it  forward  by  a  messenger  who  was  to  conduct  himself  so  as  to  be  cap- 
tured. The  bearer  was  taken  prisoner,  and  the  paper  which  he  bore  was 
soon  placed  in  the  hands  of  Burgoyne.  This  had  greater  effect  than  even 
Schuyler  could  have  expected.  Stedman,  the  British  staff  officer  and 
historian,  acknowledged  that  Burgoyne  *  was  so  completely  duped  and 
puzzled  by  it  for  several  days  that  he  was  at  a  loss  whether  to  advance  or 
retreat.'  This  result,  so  flattering  to  Schuyler's  sagacity,  was  communi- 
cated to  one  of  Schuyler's  staff,  after  Burgoyne's  surrender,  by  an  English 
officer.  In  justice  to  Schuyler  let  this  be  noted." —  Gen.  J.  JVatts  tie 
Peyster. 


lyne. 


Appendix, 


343 


at  Saratoga.* 
5  occupied  a 
h  his  Bruns- 
aro-e  bateaux 
bt.  Leger  in 
place,  mark- 
ppearance  of 
on  Oswego; 
e  Americans 
iel  was  also 
ound  at  Fort 


ell  back,  that  he 

o,  caused  a  letter 
ral  v"^herniclieff, 
ss  before  him,  to 
ituteness,  turned 
sent  by  one  Mr. 
1  under  the  false 
orded  in  such  a 
the  greatest  per- 
i  him,  and  then 
f  so  as  to  be  cap- 
lich  he  bore  was 
effect  than  even 
tatf  officer  and 
etely  duped  and 
IX  to  advance  or 
was  communi- 
r,  by  an  English 
rt,   y.    Watts,   de 


Amherst  *  at  the   half-way    brook   between   the  present 
village  of  Glen's  Falls  and  Lake  George. 

Schuyler  was  greatly  blamed  for  not  defending  Fort 
Edward.'  Ticonderoga  had  to  be  evacuated,  without 
resistance  because  it  was  commanded  by  Sugar-loaf 
mountain.  Fort  Edward  was  in  like  manner  commanded 
on  all  sides.  Major  General,  the  Marquis  de  Chastellux, 
who  visited  it  shortly  after  the  surrender,  described  it  as 
situated  in  a  basin  or  valley  both  as  to  ground  and  en- 
circling forests.  *'  Such  Is  Fort  Edward^"  he  writes, 
"  so  much  spoken  of  in  Europe^  although  it  could  in  no  time 
have  been  able  to  resist  500  men,  with  four  pieces  of 
cannon."  "  The  fact  is  Fort  Edward  was  not  a  strong 
position  ;  "  and  Kalm  criticised  both  of  these  forts  justly 
in  1758-9.  "They  were  the  result  of  jobs,  badly  lo- 
cated and  badly  built,  with  the  design  to  put  money  into 
some  favorite's  pockets." 

The  Marquis  de  Chastellux  closes  his  description  of 
his  trip  to  the  fort  as  follows  : 

"  I  stopped  here  (Fort  Edward)  an  hour  to  refresh 
my  horses,  and  about  noon  set  ofF  to  proceed  as  far  as 
the  cataract  (Glen's  Falls,)  which  is  eight  miles  beyond 


'  Vhe  Fort  Amherst  here  mentioned,  was  the  fortified  camp  spoken  of 
on  page  92  as  being  held  by  the   Americans. 

'  Mrs.  Riedesel  joined  her  husband  at  Fort  Edward.  "  The  following  day 
passed  Tico'ideroga,  and  about  noon  arrived  at  Fort  George,  where  we 
dined  wifh  Col.  Anstruther,  an  exceedingly  good  and  amiable  man,  who 
commanded  the  62d  regiment.  In  the  afternoon  we  seated  ourselves  in  a 
calash,  and  reached  Fort  Edward  on  the  same  day,  which  was  the  14th  of 
August." —  Journal  of  Mrs.  General  Riedesel. 


344      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


'i 


1 


it.  On  leaving  the  valley,  and  pursuing  the  road  to 
Lake  George,  is  a  tolerable  military  position,  which  was 
occupied  in  the  war  before  the  last.  It  is  a  sort  of  in- 
trenched camp,  adapted  to  abatis,  guarding  the  passage 
from  the  woods,  and  commanding  the  valley.  I  had 
scarcely  lost  sight  of  Fort  Edward,  before  the  spectacle 
of  devastation  presented  itself  to  my  eyes,  and  continued 
to  do  so  as  far  as  the  place  I  stopped  at.  Peace  and  in- 
dustry had  conducted  cultivators  amidst  these  ancient 
forests,  men  content  and  happy  before  the  period  of  this 
war.  Those  who  were  in  Burgoyne's  way  alone  ex- 
perienced the  horrors  of  his  expedition  \  but  on  the  last 
invasion  of  the  savages,  the  desolation  has  spread  from 
Fort  Schuyler  (or  Fort  Stanwix)  to  Fort  Edward.  I 
beheld  nothing  around  me  but  the  remains  of  conflagra- 
tions ;  a  few  bricks  proof  against  the  fire,  were  the  only 
indications  of  ruined  houses  ;  whilst  the  fences  still  entire 
and  cleared  out  lands,  announced  that  these  deplorable 
habitations  had  once  been  the  abode  of  riches  and  of 
happiness. 

"  Arrived  at  the  height  of  the  cataract  it  was  neces- 
sary for  us  to  quit  our  sledges  and  walk  a  mile  to  the 
bank  of  the  river.  The  snow  was  fifteen  inches  deep, 
which  rendered  this  walk  rather  difficult  and  obliged  us 
to  proceed  in  Indian  file  in  order  to  make  a  path.  Each 
of  us  put  ourselves  alternatelv  at  the  head  of  this  little 


column,  as  the  wild  geese  relieve  each  other  to  occupy 
the  summit  of  the  anr!;le  they  form  in  their  flight.  But 
had  our  march  been  still  more  difficult,  the  sight  of  the 
cataract  was  an  ample  recon.^pense.     It  is  not  a  sheet  of 


w 

in 
o 
c\ 
tc 


'goyne. 


Appendix, 


345 


5  the   road  to 
)n,  which  was 
>  a  sort  of  in- 
g  the  passage 
alley.     I  had 
the  spectacle 
ind  continued 
Peace  and  in- 
hese   ancient 
period  of  this 
ay  alone  ex- 
it on  the  last 
spread  from 
Edward.      I 
of  conflagra- 
/ere  the  only 
es  still  entire 
;e  deplorable 
iches  and  of 

t  was  neces- 
mile  to  the 
inches  deep, 
id  obliged  us 
3ath.  Each 
of  this  little 
;r  to  occupy 
flight.  But 
sight  of  the 
)t  a  sheet  of 


water  as  at  Cohoes.  The  river  confined  and  interrupted 
in  its  course  by  different  rocks,  glides  through  the  midst 
of  them,  and  precipitating  itself  obliquely  forms  ssveral 
cascades.  That  of  Cohoes  is  more  majestic  ;  tlis,  more 
terrible.  The  Mohiiwk  river  seems  to  fall  from  its  own 
dead  weight  ;  that  of  the  Hudson  frets  and  becomes  en- 
raged. It  foams  and  forms  whirlpools,  and  flies  like  a 
serpent  making  its  escape,  still  continuing  its  menaces  by 
horrible  hisses. 

"  It  was  near  two  when  we  regained  our  sledges,  bav- 
in.^ two  and  twenty  miles  to  return  to  Saratoga,  so  that 
we  trod  back  our  steps  as  f^ist  as  possible,  but  we  still 
had  to  halt  at  Fort  Edward  to  refresh  our  horses.  We 
employed  this  time  as  we  had  done  in  the  morning,  in 
warming  ourselves  by  ihe  fires  cf  the  officers  who  com- 
manded the  garrison.  They  are  five  in  number,  and 
have  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  soldiers.  They  aie 
stationed  in  this  desert  for  the  whole  winter,  and  I  leave 
the  reader  to  imagine  whether  this  garrison  be  much  more 
gay  than  the  two  most  melancholy  ones  of  Gravalines 
or  Brian^on,  our  own  in  France.  We  set  off  again  in 
an  hour,  and  night  soon  overtook  us  ;  but  before  it  was 
dark  I  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  the  first  game  I  had 
met  in  my  journey.  It  was  a  bevy  of  quails.  (Part- 
ridges?) They  were  perched  to  the  number  of  seven 
upon  a  fence.  I  got  out  of  my  sledge  to  have  a  nearer 
view  of  ihem.  They  f^uffered  me  to  approach  within 
four  paces,  and  to  make  them  rise  I  was  obliged  to  throw 
my  cane  at  them  ;  they  all  went  off  together  in  a  flight 
similar  to  that  of  partridges,  and  like  them  they  are 
sedentary." 

30 


^ 


346    Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


ii 


No.  X. 

The  Fight  at  Diamond  Island,^  and  an  Incident 

OF  Burgoyne's  Campakjn 

On  page  54  mention  is  made  01  ...e  British  army 
hearing  shouting  in  the  American  camp,  which  proved 
to  be  rejoicing  at  the  capture  of  some  bateaux,  and  a  part 
of  the  53d  regiment  of  the  English.  It  was  at  this  time, 
Sept.  24,  1777,  that  the  fight  at  Diamond  island  near 
the  head  of  Lake  George  occurred.  Burgoyne  on 
pushing  south  from  Skenesborough  had  left  small  garrisons 
at  Ticonderoga,  Fort  George  and  Diamond  island  ;  there 
being  at  the  latter  post,  particularly,  a  large  accumulation. 
Seizing  the  opportunity  thus  afforded,  General  Lincoln, 
acting  under  the  direction  of  the  commander-in-chief, 
resolved,  if  possible,  to  break  Burgoyne's  line  of  com- 
municatioa  and  capture  his  supplies.  Col.  John  Brown 
was  accordingly  sent  with  a  force  to  attack  Ticonderoga. 
Meeting  with  but  partial  success  in  this  enterprise,  he 
returned  by  way  of  Lake  George  \  and  it  was  while  on 
his  way  up  the  lake  that  the  fight  at  Diamond  island 
occurred. 

A  recent  writer  has  taken  pains  to  gather  up  all  the 


'  So  called  tVom  the  innumerable  beautiful  crystals  which  are  there  found. 
Silliman,  who  was  here  in  1819,  says:  "The  crystals  are  hardly  surpassed 
by  any  in  the  world  for  transparency  and  perfection  of  form.  They  are,  as 
usual,  the  six-sided  prism,  and  are  frequently  terminated  at  both  ends  by  six- 
sided  pyramids.  These  last  of  course,  must  be  found  loose,  or,  at  least, 
not  adhering  to  any  rocks  j  those  which  are  brokan  off  have  necessarily 
only  one  pyramid."  —  Silliman^  Travels,  p.  153. 


^oyne. 


)  AN  Incident 

I   British    army 
which   proved 
eaux,  ami  a  part 
as  at  this  time, 
)nd    island  near 
Burgoyne    on 
t  small  garrisons 
id  island  ;   there 
e  accumulation, 
encral  Lincoln, 
nander-in-chief, 
;'s  line  of  com- 
ol.  John  Brown 
:k  Ticonderoga. 
s  enterprise,  he 
it  was  while  on 
Diamond  island 

ather  up  all  the 

vhich  are  there  found. 
s  are  hardly  surpassed 
F  form.  They  are,  as 
:d  at  both  ends  by  six- 
ind  loose,  or,  at  least, 
I  off  have   necessarily 


Appendix. 


347 


documents  and  thrcjw  light  on  Col.  Baum's  attacks  on 
Ticonderoga  ;iiui  Diamond  island,  and  we  quote  from 
him  as  follows: 

^'  Since  the  printed  accounts  of  the  attack  upon  Ticon- 
deroga are  almost  as  meagre  as  those  of  the  struggle  at 
the  island,  we  will  here  gi\e  the  official  report,  which  is 
likewise  to  be  found  among  the  Gates  Papers^  now  in  the 
possession  of  the  Historical  Society  of  New  York,  pre- 
facing the  report,  however,  with  the  English  statement 
of  l^urgoyne. 

"  In  the  course  of  a  vindication  of  his  military  policy, 
Gen.  Bur<2;ovne  writes  as  follows: 

"During  the  events  ftated  above,  an  attempt  was  made  againft  Ticon- 
deroga by  an  army  aifembled  under  Major-General  Lincoln,  who  found 
means  to  march  with  a  confiderable  corps  from  Huberton  undifcovered, 
while  another  column  of  his  force  paffed  the  mountains  Skenefljorough  and 
Lake  George,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  i8th  of  September  a  fudden  and 
general  attack  was  made  upon  the  carrying  place  at  Lake-George,  Sugar- 
Hill,  Ticonderoga,  and  Mount- Independence.  The  fea  officers  command- 
ing the  armed  lloop  ftationcd  to  defend  the  carrying  place,  as  alio  fome  of 
the  officers  commanding  at  the  port  of  Sugar-Hill  and  at  the  Portage,  were 
furprifed,  and  a  confiderable  part  of  four  companies  of  the  53d  regiment 
were  made  prifoners  ;  a  block-houfe,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Lord  of 
the  53d,  was  the  only  poft  on  that  fide  that  had  time  to  make  ufe  of  their 
arms,  and  they  made  a  brave  defence  till  cannon  taken  from  the  furpriled 
veflel  was  brought  againft  them. 

"  After  ftating  and  lamenting  fo  fatal  a  want  of  vigilance,  I  have  to  in- 
form your  Lordfhip  of  the  fatilfactory  events  which  followed. 

"  The  enemy  having  twice  fummuned  Brigadier  General  Powell,  and 
received  fuch  anfwer  as  became  a  gallant  officer  entrufted  with  fo  important 
a  poft,  and  having  tried  during  the  courfe  of  four  days  feveral  attacks,  and 
being  repulfed  in  all,  retreated  without  having  done  any  confiderable  damage. 

"  Brigadier  General  Powell  from  whofe  report  to  me  I  extract  this  re- 
lation, gives  great  commendations  to  the  regiment-of  Prince  Frederick,  and 


348      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

the  other  troops  Rationed  at  Mount-Iiidepcndence.  The  Brigadier  alfo 
mentions  with  great  apphiufe  the  behaviour  of  C.)ptain  Taylor  of  the  nft 
regiment,  who  was  accidentally  there  on  Ms  route  to  the  army  from  the 
hofpital,  and  Lieutenant  Beccroft  of  the  24th  ic^'imcnt,  wlio  with  the 
artificers  in  arms  defended  an  important  battery."' 

"  Such  is  Burgoyne's  account  of  the  attack  upon 
Ticondcroga  ;  next  to  which  comes  that  oi  Col.  Brown, 
who,  for  the  second  time  in  the  course  of  his  military 
experience,  had  an  opportunity  of  exhibiting  his  valor  in 
connection  with  the  fort.  His  report  to  Gen.  Lincoln 
runs  as  follows : 

"  North  end  of  lake  George  landing. 
"  thurfday  Sept.  loth  lyyy 
*'  Sir  :  With  great  fatigue  after  marching  all  laft  night  I  arrived  at  this 
place  at  the  break  of  day,  after  the  belt  difpofition  of  the  men,  I  could 
make,  immediately  began  the  attack,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  carried  the 
place.  T  then  without  any  lofs  of  time  detached  a  confiderable  part  of  my 
men  to  the  mills,  whnrt  a  greater  number  of  the  enemy  were  ported,  who 
alfo  were  foon  made  ptifoncrs,  a  fmall  number  of  whom  having  taken 
poireHion  of  a  block  houfe  in  that  Vicinity  were  with  more  difficulty 
bro't  to  sul  million  ;  but  at  a  fight  of  a  Cannon  they  furrendered.  dur- 
ing this  feafon  of  fuccefs.  Mount  Defiance  alfo  fell  into  our  hands.  I 
have  taken  polfeflion  of  the  old  french  lines  at  Ticondcroga,  and  have  fent 
a  flag  demanding  the  furrender  of  Ty  :  and  mount  independence  in  ftrong  and 
peremptory  terms.  I  have  had  as  yet  no  information  of  the  event  of  Colo. 
Johnfons  attack  on  the  mount.  My  lofs  of  men  in  thefe  feveral  actions 
are  not  more  than  3  or  4  killed  and  5  wounded,  the  enemy's  lofs  :  is  lefs. 
I  find  myfelf  in  poffefTion  of  293  prifoners.  Viz.  2  captains,  9  fubs.  2 
Commilfaries  non  Commilfioned  officers  snd  privates  143.  Britifli  119, 
Canadians  18  artificers  and  retook  more  than  100  of  our  men.  total  293, 
exclufive  of  the  prifoners  retaken. —  The  watercraft  I  have  taken,  is  150 
batteaus,  below  the  falls  on  lake  Champlain  50  above  the  falls  including 
17  gun  boats  and  one  armed  floop.  arms  equal  to  the  number  of  prifoners. 
•^■ome  ammunition   and   many  other  things  which  I  cannot  now  afcertain. 


pL: 


*  State  of  the  Expedition  from  Canada,  by  Burgoyne,  p.  xciv.     Ed.  1780. 


g^y 


ne. 


Jppmdix. 


349 


The  Brigadier  alfo 

Taylor  of  the  2lft 

the  army  from  the 

;nt,  who  with  the 

e  attack  upon 
jf  Col.  Brown, 
of  his  military 
inii  his  valor  in 
Gen.   Lincoln 

landing. 

ight  I  arrived  at  this 
of  the  men,  I  could 
minutes,  carried  the 
nfiderable  part  of  my 
my  were  poftcd,  who 
whom   having   taken 

with  more  difficulty 
ey  furrendered.  dur- 
1  into  our  hands.  I 
deroga,  and  have  fent 
pendencein  ftrong  and 

of  the  event  of  Col". 
\  thefe  feveral  actions 
e  enemy's  lofs  :   is  lefs. 

2  captains,  9  fubs.  2. 

tes    143.    Britilli   ii9> 

our  men.     total  293, 
I  have  taken,  is  i  50 

ove  the  falls  including 

iC  number  of  prifoners. 
cannot  now  afcertain. 

le,  p.  xciv.     Ed.  1780. 


I    muft    noi    forget    to    mention  a  few   Cannon   which   m.iy  be  of  great 

ferv'ce  to  us.     'i'ho.  my  succefs  has   hitkerto  anfwered   my  moll   fanguinc 

expectations,  I  cannot  promife  myfelf  great  things,  the  events  of  war  being 

fo  dubious  in  their  nature,  but  Ihall  do  my  bed  to  diftrefs  the  enemy  all  in 

my  power,  having  regard  to  my  retreat — There  is  but   a  fmall  iiuantity  of 

proviflions  at  this  place  which  I  think   will   nccellitate  my   retreat  in   cafe 

we  do  not  carry  Ty  and  independence  —  I  hope  you   will  ufe  your  utmort 

endeavor  to  give  me  alliftance  fhould  I  need  in  crolling  the  lake  cScc  —  The 

enemy  but  a  very  fmall  force  at  fort  George.     Their  boats  are  on  an  illand 

about  14  miles  from   this  guarded  by   fix  companies,   having   artillery  —  I 

have  much  fear  with  relpect   to  the   prifoners,   being  obliged   to  fend  tlieni 

under  a  fmall  guard  —  I  am  well  informed  tiiat  confiderable  reinforcements 

is  hourly  expected    at    the   lake   under   command  of  Sir  John   Johnfon  — 

This  minute  received  Gen'.  Fowals  anfwer  to  my  demand  in  thefe   words, 

'  The  garrifon  intrufted  to  my  charge  1  Ihall   defend  to  the  laft.'     Indeed  I 

have  little  hopes  of  putting  him    t')  the  ntcellity  of  giving   it  up  unlefs   by 

the  force  under  Colonel  Johnfon. 

"  I  am  & 

''Gen'.  Lincoln.'  "John  Brown." 

"  We  now  turn  to  tiie  fight  at  Diamond  island,  giving 
first  the  English  version,  simply  lemarking  as  a  prelimi- 
nary, that  the  postcript  of  a  letter  addressed,  by  Jonas 
Fay  to  Gen.  Gates,  dated  Bennington,  Sept.  22,  1777, 
is  the  following  : 

"  By  a  person  juft  arrived  from  Fort  George  —  only  30  men  are  at  that 
place  and  2  Gun  Boats  anchor'd  at  a  diftance  from  land  and  that  the 
enemy  have  not  more  than  3  weeks  provifion."^ 

"Writing  from  AlbaiTy  after  his  surrender.  Gen.  Bur- 
goyne  says,  under  the  date  of  Oct.  27th,  that 

"  On  the  24tl>  inftant,  the  enemy,  enabled  by  the  capture  of  the  gun 
boats  and  bateaux  which  they  had  made  after  the  furprife  of  the  floop,  to 
embark  upon  Lake  George,  attacked  Diamond  Ifland  in  two  divifions. 


'  Gates  PaperSy  p.  I  54. 
=  Ibidy  p.  208. 


350      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


"  Captain  Aubrey  and  two  companies  of  the  47th  regiment,  had  been 
ported  at  that  ifland  from  the  time  the  army  pafTed  the  Hudfon's  River,  as 
a  better  fituatioa  for  the  fecurity  of  the  (lores  at  the  fouth  end  of  Lake 
George  than  Fort  George,  which  is  on  the  continent,  and  not  tenable 
.igainft  artillery  and  numbers.  The  enemy  were  repulfed  by  Captain  Au- 
brey with  great  lofs,  and  purfued  by  the  gunboats  under  his  command  to 
the  eaft  fliore,  where  two  of  their  principal  velfels  were  retaken,  together 
with  all  the  cannon.  They  had  juft  time  to  fet  fire  to  the  other  bateaux, 
and  retreated  over  the  mountains."' 

"  This  statement  was  based  upon  the  report  made  by 
Lieut.  Irwine,  the  commander  at  Lake  Cjeorge,  whose 
communication  appears  to  have   fallen  into  the  hands  of 


G^ 


It  th 


ates,  at  the  surrender  or  tjurgoyne 


f  Bi 


thi 


Ivieut.  Vjeo.  Irwine,  or  the  47th,  reports  thus  to  l^ieut. 
Francis  Clark  (Gierke),  aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Burgoyne  : 

"  Fore  George  24th  Septr-  1777. 
"  Sir 

"  I  think  it  neceffary  to  acquaint  you  for  the  information  of  General  Bur- 
goyne, that  the  enemy,  to  the  amount  of  two  or  three  hundred  men  came  from 
Skenefborough  to  the  carrying  place  near  Ticonderoga  and  there  took  feven- 
teen  or  eighteen  Batteaus  with  Gunboats  —  Their  defign  was  firft  to  attack 
the  fort  but  confidering  they  could  not  well  accomplifh  it  without  cannon 
they  defifted  from  that  Iclieme,  they  were  then  refolved  to  attack  Diamond 
Ifland  (which  Ifland  Capt,  Aubrey  commands)  and  if  they  fucceeded,  to 
take  this  place,  they  began  to  attack  the  Ifland  with  cannon  about  9 
o'clock  yerterday  morning,  I  have  the  fatiffaction  to  inform  you  that  after 
a  cannonading  for  near  an  hour  and  a  half  on  both  fides  the  enemy  took  to 
their  retreat.  Then  was  Gun  boats  fent  in  purfuit  of  them  which  occa- 
fioned  the  enemy  to  burn  their  Gun  boats  and  Batteaus  and  made  their 
efcape  towards  Skenefborough  in  great  tonfuiion  —  we  took  one  Gun  boat 
from  them  with  a  twelve  pounder  in  her  and  a  good  quantity  of  ammuni- 
tion—  we  have  heard  there  was  a  few  kill'd  and  many  wounded  of  them. 
There  was  not  a  man  killed  or  hurt  during  the  whole  action  of  his  Majefty's 


v; 
wi 
to 

tt 
it 

gO( 

th( 

re( 

W 

as 

W 


ol; 


State  of  the  Expedition  from  Curada,    p.  53. 


^oyne. 


Appendix. 


:^S'^ 


egiment,  had  been 
Hudfon's  Rivfir,  as 
outh  end  of  Lake 
:,  and  not  tenable 
lid  by  Captain  Au- 
r  his  command  to 
e  retaken,  together 
I  the  other  bateaux, 

eport  made  by 
Ijeorge,  whose 
0  the  hands  ot 

i  thus  to  Lieut, 
ren.  Burgoyne  : 

24th  Septr-  1777. 

tion  of  General  Bur- 
idred  men  came  from 
nd  there  took  feven- 
;n  was  fiift  to  attack 
Ih  it  without  cannon 
d  to  attack  Diamond 
if  they  fucceeded,  to 
ith    cannon    about  9 
nform  you  that  after 
cs  the  enemy  took  to 
of  them  which  occa- 
eaus   and   made  their 
/c  took  one  Gun  boat 
quantity  of  ammuni- 
ly  wounded  of  them, 
action  of  iiis  Majefty's 


Troops.      I  have  the  honor   to  be  Sir  your  moft  obedient  and  moft  humb't 

Sert 

"  Geoc  Irwinc  Com  at  Fort  George 

'*  Lt  47th"  ' 
••'  We  next  give  the  report  of  Col.  Brown,  who  writes 
as  follows,  and  not  without  chagrin  : 

'*  Skeeniburo  Friday  11  o'clock,  am.  Sept   26tl>   1777 
"  Dear  Sir 

"  I  this  minute  arrived  at  this  place  by  the  way  of  Fort  Ann,  was  induced 
to  take  this  route  on  ac'  (;f  my  Ignorance  of  the  lituation  of  eveiy  part  of 
the  continental  Army 

"  On  the  22  inlt  at  4  o'clk  P.M.  I  set  fail  from  the  north  end  Lake 
George  with  20  fail  of  Boats  three  of  which  were  armed.  Viz  one  i'mall 
lloop  mounting  3  guns,  and  2  BritiOi  Gun  Boats  having  on  Board  the  whole 
about  420  Men  officers  included  with  a  Determined  refolution  to  attack 
Diamond  Illand  which  lies  witliin  5  miles  Fort  George  at  the  break  of  Day 
the  next  Morning,  but  a  very  heavy  ftorm  coming  on  prevented  —  I  ar- 
rived Sabbath  Day  point  abt  midnight  where  I  tarried  all  night,  during 
which  time  I  \jh'\  fmall  Boat  in  the  fleet  taken  the  Day  before  coming  from 
Fort  George,  conducted  by  one  Ferry  lately  a  futler  in  our  army,  T  put 
Ferry  on  his  Parole,  but  in  the  night  he  found  Means  to  ef.ape  with  liis 
Boat,  and  informed  the  Enemy  of  our  approacli,  on  the  23d  1  advanced  as 
far  as  12  Mile  Illand,  tlie  Wind  continuing  too  high  for  an  attack  I  fuf- 
pended  it  until  the  Morning  of  the  241'^  at  9  oclocic  at  which  Time  I  ad- 
vanced with  the  3  armed  Boats  in  front  and  the  other  Boats,  I  ordered  to 
wing  to  the  Right  and  leftof  Ifland  to  attempt  a  landing  if  practicable,  and 
to  fupport  the  Gun  Boats  in  cafe  they  fhould  need  aflirtance,  I  was  induced 
to  make  this  experiment  to  rind  the  ftrength  oi  the  Ifland  as  aifo  to  carry 
it  if  practicable  —  the  enemy  gave  me  the  firrt  fire  which  I  returned  in 
good  earncft,  and  advanced  as  nigh  as  I  thought  prudent,  I  foon  found  that 
the  enemy  had  been  advertifed  of  our  approach  and  well  prepared  for  our 
reception  having  a  great  number  of  cannon  well  mounted  with  good  Breaft 
Works,  I  however  approached  within  a  fmall  Diftance  giving  the  Enemy 
as  hot  a  fire  as  in  my  Power,  untill  the  floop  was  hulled  between  wind  and 
Water  and  obliged  to  toe  her  off  and  one  of  the  boats  fo  damaged  as  I  was 
obliged  to  quit  her  in  the  action.   1  had  two  men  killed  two  Mortally  wounded 


Gatei  Papersy  p.  212. 


■'•^Wiv 


h 


352      Campaign  of  General  john  Burgoyne. 

and  feveral  others  wounded  in  fuch  Manner  as  I  was  obliged  to  leave  them 
under  the  Care  of  the  Inhabitants,  who  I  had  taken  Prifoners  giving  tiiem 
a  fufficient  reward  for  their  fervices. 

"  I  Run  my  Boats  up  a  Bay  a  confiderable  diftance  and  burnt  them  with 
all  the  Baggage  that  was  not  portable  —  The  Enemy  have  on  Diamond 
Ifland  as  near  as  could  be  collected  are  about  three  hundred,  and  about  40 
at  Fort  George  with  orders  if  they  are  attacked  to  retreat  to  the  liland  — 
Gen.  Borgoine  has  about  4  Weeks  Provifion  with  his  army  and  no  more, 
he  is  determined  to  cut  his  Road  through  to  Albany  at  all  events,  for  this 
I  have  the  Lift  authority,  ftill  I  think  him  under  a  fmall  miftake  —  moft 
of  the  Horics  and  Cattle  taken  at  Ty  and  thereabouts  were  left  in  the 
Woods       Genl   Warner  has  put  out  a  party  in  queft  of  them. 

"  1  am  Dear  Sr  wifhing  you  and  the 
"  Main  Army 

"  great  Succefs  your  moft  ob' 
"  hum'   Sert 
"  Gtn^    Lincoln  "  Jno  Brown 

*'  NB  You  may  Depend  on  it  that  after  the  Britifh  Army  were  fupply 
with  fix  Weeks  provifion  which  was  two  weeks  from  the  Communication 
between  Lake  George  and  Fort  Edward  was  ordered  by  Gen'  Burgoine  to 
be  ftor'd  and  no  palfes  given :— 

"  The  attack  on  the  Illand  continued  with  interruption  2  Hours. "^ 

''  Thus  elided  the  fight  at  Diamond  island  ;  a  fight 
which,  it  attended  with  better  success,  might  have  per- 
haps hastened  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  and  resulted 
in  other  advantages  to  the  American  arms.  As  it  was, 
however,  the  British  line  of  communication  on  Lake 
George  was  not  broken,  while  the  American  leaders 
took  good  care  to  prevent  this  failure  from  reaching  the 
public  ear  through  the  press.  Thus  Col.  Brown's  re- 
ports to  Gen.  Lincoln  remained  unpublished.  They 
have  now  been  brought  out  and  put  on  permanent  record, 
as  interesting  material  for  American  history." 


n 

ni 

tl 

ail 

tlj 

fri 

o 


»  Gatei  Papersy  p.  220. 


oyne. 


Appendix, 


3S3 


ged  to  leave  them 
oners  giving  them 

1  burnt  them  with 
uve   on  Diamond 
ired,  and  about  40 
at  to  the  Ifland  — 
rmy  and   no  more, 
all  events,  for  this 
ill  miftake  —  moft 
,ts   were  left  in  the 
them, 
nd  the 

your  moft  obt 
uml  Serf 

«  Jno  Brown 

h  Army  were  fupply 

the  Communication 

by  Genl  Burgoine  to 

tion  2  Hours."' 

island  •,  a  tight 
might  have  per- 
le,  and  resulted 
ms.  As  it  was, 
cation   on   Lake 

merican   leaders 
^m  reaching  the 

ol.    Brown's  re- 
lablished.     They 
rmanent  record, 

tory." 


No.  XI. 
Alexander  Bryan,  the  Scout. 

"  Bryan  was  a  shrewd  and  somewhat  of  an  ecentrie 
character  ;  and  the  events  of  his  life,  if  generally  known, 
would  undoubtedly  place  his  name  among  the  patriots  of 
his  time  and  furnish  a  deserved  monument  to  his  memory." 
The  hint  which  Dr.  Steel  thus  throws  out  was  acted 
upon  by  his  grandson,  John  Alexander  Bryan,  who,  a 
few  years  since,  erected  to  his  memory  a  monument  in 
Greenridge  cemetery,  bearing  this  inscription  : 

"  In  memory  of  Alexander  Brvan.  Died  April  9th, 
1825,  aged  92  years.  The  first  permanent  settler,  and 
the  first  to  keep  a  public-house,  here,  for  visitors.  An 
unpaid  patriot,  who,  alone  and  at  great  peril,  gave  the 
first  and  only  information  of  Burgoyne's  intended  ad- 
vance on  Stillwater,  which  led  to  timelv  preparations  for 
the  battle  of  September  19th  —  followed  by  the  memo- 
rable victory  of  October  7th,  1777." 

Alexander  Bryan  was  born  in  1733.  He  was  a  native 
of  Connecticut,  and  emigrated  to  New  York  early  in 
life,  fixing  his  residence  in  Dutchess  county,  where  he 
mariied  Martha  Tallmadge,  a  sister  of  Senator  Tall- 
madge's  father.  Some  years  afterward  he  removed  to 
the  town  of  Half-Moon,  Saratoga  countv,  where  he  kept 
an  inn  about  two  miles  north  of  Waterford,  on  what  was 
then  the  great  road  between  the  northern  and  southern 
frontiers.  Here  he  continued  to  reside  during  the  war 
of  the  American  Revolution  ;  and  his  iiouse,  naturally, 


354      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


was  frequently  the  resort  of  the  partisans  of  the  contend- 
ing powers — towards  whom  he  conducted  himself  so 
discretely  that  he  was  molested  by  neither,  but  was  con- 
fided in  by  both.  His  patriotism,  however,  was  well 
known  to  the  committee  of  safety  of  Stillwater,  who 
through  him  were  enabled  to  thwart  many  machinations 
of  the  tories. 

When  General  Gates  took  command  of  the  northern 
army,  he  applied  to  the  committee  to   furnish  him   with 
a  suitable  person  who  might  act  as  a  scout,  and  by  pene- 
trating within    the  enemy's  lines    report  their  strength 
and  intended  movements.      Bryan  was  at  once  selected 
"  as  the  best  qualified  to  undertake  the  hazardous  en- 
terprise."    Nor   was   the   choice   of   the  committee    ill 
advised,      Bryan  was  a  person  endowed  with  great  phy- 
sical  powers  of   endurance ;    well   acquainted    with   the 
country  ;   shrewd,  discreet,  and   reticent  ;  gifted   with  a 
fine  address  and  presence  ;  and,  considering  the  meagre 
educational  advantages  of  the  time,  possessed  of  much 
more   than   ordinary    intelligence.      By   pursuing    a   cir- 
cuitous route,  he  arrived  unmolested  at  the  camp  of  the 
enemy,  which,  at  this  time,  was  situated  In  the  vicinity 
of  Fort  Edward.     He  tarried  In  the  neighborhood  until 
he  obtained  the  required  information,  and  was  convinced 
that  preparations  were  making  for  an  immediate  advance. 
Then,  on  the    15th  of  September,  in  the  early  gray  of 
the  autumn   morning,  he  started  with  the  tidings.      He 
had  not  proceeded  many  miles  before  he  discovered  that 
he  was  hotly  pursued  by  two  troopers,  from  whom,  after 
an  exciting  chase,   he  adroitly  managed  to  escape,  and 


— d__ 


7oyne. 


Appendix. 


3SS 


[  the  contend- 
ed himself  so 
,  but  was  con- 
ver,  was  well 
tillwater,  who 
\r  machinations 

)f  the  northern 
rnish  him  with 
It,  and  by  pene- 
;  their  strength 
.t  once  selected 
I  hazardous  en- 
i  committee    ill 
with  great  phy- 
alnted    with  the 
.   gifted  with  a 
:ring  the  meagre 
;sessed  of  much 
pursuing   a   cir- 
the  camp  of  the 
^f^.  in  the  vicinity 
fiahborhood  until 
,d  was  convinced 
mediate  advance, 
the  early  gray  of 
the  tidings.      He 
e  discovered  that 
Vom  whom,  after 
d  to  escape,  and 


1 


\ 


arrived  safely  at  the  head  quarters  of  General  Gates  late 
in  the  following  night.     The  intelligence    he  commu- 
nicated, of  the  crossing   of  the   Hudson   by   Burgoyne, 
with  the  evident  intention  on  the  part  of  that  general  to 
surprise  the  American  army  at  Stillwater,  was  of   the 
greatest  importance,  and  led  immediately  to  the  prepara- 
tions which    resulted   in  the   sanguinary  engagement  of 
the  19th  of  September.      It  is  handed  down  as  a  tradition 
in  the   Bryan   family,  that  Gates  was  in  such  haste  to 
profit  by  this  information  —  on  which,  from   his  know- 
ledge of    Bryan,  he    implicitly   relied  —  that    he   forgot 
either  to  reward  or  thank  his  faithful  scout  ;  and,  what 
is  worse,  he  never   mentioned  the  exploit  in  any  of  his 
despatches/     This  circumstance  is  thus  alluded   to  by 
Dr.  Steel  :  *'  The  numerous  and  essential  services  which 
Bryan  thus  rendered  to  his  country  continued  for  a  long 
time  to  excite  the  admiration  and  gratitude  of  his  few 
remaining  associates,  to  whom  alone   they  were  known, 
and  by  whom   their  importance   could   only  be  properly 
estimated  ;  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  to  the  day  of  his 
death  they  remained  unacknowledged  and  unrewarded  by 
any  token  or  profession  of  gratitude  by  his  country." 

Mr.  Bryan  left  five  sons,  Daniel,  Jehial,  Robert,  John, 
and  Alexander,  and  two  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  now 
dead.  None  of  these,  except  Daniel,  ever  made  any 
effort  to  have  the  services  of  their  father  acknowledged 


'  Gates  seemed  to  have  a  habit  or  fjrgetting  to  mention  in  his  despatchca 
tiiose  to  whom  he  was  indebted  for  his  sueccises.  Arnold,  lor  instance, 
who  did  such  signal  service  in  tlie  action  of  October  7th,  was  never  alluded 
to  by  him. 


356      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


!ii 


I  ] 


I   : 


and  rewarded  by  the  United  States  government.  We 
have  seen  a  letter  from  Daniel,  accuiately  written,  in 
1853,  '^^  ^^^  ^to^  ^^  eighty-two,  in  a  clear,  bold  hand,  in 
which  he  speaks  of  an  application  made  in  his  behalf,  as 
che  only  surviving  legal  representative  (by  the  Hon. 
John  M.  Parker,  M.C.,  from  that  district),  for  an  ap 
propriation  to  pay  the  services  of  his  father  in  the  Bur- 
goyne campaign.  The  application  failed  because,  as  it 
is  supposed,  no  witnesses  could  be  found  except  those  who 
had  heard  the  facts  traditionally,  which  was  not  deemed 
to  be  within  the  rules  laid  down  by  congress  in  such 
cases.  For  these  reasons  it  is  the  more  fitting  that  we 
should  here  permanently  record  and  give  prominence  to 
the  patriotic  deeds  of  this  early  settler  of  Saratoga. 

While,  however,  Bryan  was  the  chief  scout  upon 
whom  Gates  relied,  and  who,  as  has  been  seen,  was  the 
first  to  furnish  intcflligence,  yet  the  American  general  had 
others  in  his  employ.  John  Strover  (the  father  of  the 
present  George  Strover  of  Schuylerville,  N.  Y.),  had 
also  the  command  of  a  party  of  scouts  well  acquainted 
with  the  country.  "  He  was  present,"  says  General 
Bullard,  "at  the  execution  of  Thomas  Lovelace,  a  ma- 
lignant tory,  who  was  hung  upon  an  oak  tree,  about 
thirty  rods  south  of  where  George  Strover  now  resides. 
At  that  date  the  gravel  ridge  extended  east  as  far  as 
where  the  canal  now  is,  and  the  oak  tree  stood  upon  the 
east  point  of  the  gravel  ridge  near  where  the  store  house 
of  the  Victory  company  now  stands.  When  the  Water- 
ford  and  Whitehall  turnpike  was  constructed  through 
there,  about  18 13,  the  stump  of  the  old  oak  was  removed 


P 
u 


'goyne. 

jrnment.     We 
ely  written,  in 
,  bold  hand,  in 
n  his  behalf,  as 
(by   the   Hon. 
ict),  for  an  ap 
her  in  the  Bur- 
d  because,  as  it 
xcept  those  who 
was  not  deemed 
3ngress   in  such 
e  fitting  that  we 
e  prominence  to 
f  Saratoga. 
:hief  scout   upon 
■en  seen,  was  the 
rican  general  had 
he  father  of  the 
lie,  N.  Y.),  had 
5  well  acquainted 
t  "  savs   General 
;  Lovelace,  a  ma- 
oak  tree,  about 
over  now  resides, 
ed  east   as  far  as 
ee  stood  upon  the 
re  the  store  house 
When  the  Water- 
,nstructed  through 
oak  was  removed 


Appendix, 


3S1 


by  the  excavation.  John  Strover  had  frequently  informed 
his  son  George  that  L^ovelace  was  buried  in  a  standing 
posture,  near  the  tree.  When  the  excavation  took  place, 
George  stood  by  and  saw  the  bones,  yet  in  a  stanriing 
posture,  removed  from  the  very  spot  which  had  been 
pointed  out  by  his  father.  During  the  campaign  Bur- 
goyne  employed  Lovelace  and  other  tories  as  spies,  and 
they  were  generally  secreted  in  the  woods  between  here 
and  Saratoga  lake.  One  day  Capt.  Dunham,  then  re- 
siding near  the  lake,  in  company  with  Daniel  Spike  and 
a  colored  man,  was  scouring  the  woods,  and  while  cross- 
ing upon  a  tree  which  had  fallen  over  the  brook  east  of  the 
Wagman  farm,  discovered  five  guns  stacked  in  the  hiding 
place  of  the  spies.  With  a  sudden  rush,  Dunham  and 
his  associates  seiz-ed  the  guns  and  captured  all  five  of  the 
spies,  bound  and  brought  them  into  the  American  camp. 
We  have  not  been  able  to  give  the  date  of  the  arrest  or 
execution  of  Lovelace,  but  think  it  was  after  the  close 
of  Burgoyne's  campaign.  Gen.  Stark  was  then  at 
Schuylerville  and  presided  at  the  court  martial  before 
which  he  was  tried.  With  a  vindictive  tory  element  in 
their  midst,  and  the  Indians  on  the  borders,  but  little 
progress  was  made  in  permanently  settling  this  county, 
until  after  peace  was  declared. 

Great  and  crushing  as  was  the  defeat  a*^  Saratoga,  the 
war  was  not  yet  ended,  and  the  struggle  continued  for 
five  years  longer.  Nor  did  this  locality  escape  the  trials 
and  hardships  of  those  times  which  tried  men's  souls. 
The  march  and  counter  march  of  this  hostile  army  with 
its  barbarous  allies,  had  completely  desolated  the  whole 

31 


;^^S       Cainpaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


^i 


1 1 1  t 


!    II 


;!    :;  I 


ijiii, : 


region  hereabouts.  This  county  had  been  richly  laden 
with  the  golden  harvest  and  domestic  animals  for  the 
u^>e  of  the  huFbandman.  As  a  specimen,  the  farm  of 
James  Brisbin  had  sufficient  wheat  and  cattle  to  have 
paid  the  purchase  price,  but  it  was  all  taken  and  consumed 
bv  Burgoyne's  ai.ny  without  compensation,  notwith- 
standing the  fair  premises  made  in  his  proclamation  of 
July  10,  before  stated.  We  should  except  a  single  cow, 
which  escaped  from  her  captors,  returned  home  and  was 
afterwards  secreted  and  saved.  After  the  surrender,  the 
farmers  gradually  returned  to  their  rural  homes,  erected 
new  log  houses,  and  began  again  to  till  the  soil.  But 
little  progress,  however,  was  made,  until  the  close  ot  the 
war,  as  this  valley  lay  in  the  track  of  the  Indians  and 
tories,  who  had  fled  to  Canada,  and  made  repeated  raids 
into  this  county." 

No.  XII. 

Sketch  of  Charles  de   Langlade  and  his   Rela- 
tions WITH  BURGOYNE.^ 

When  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution  broke 
out,  Charles  de  Langlade  was  forty-six  years  old,  but 
his  age  sat  lightly  upon  him.  At  the  solicitation  of 
Captain  De  Peyster  of  Michilimakinac,  he  resolved,  if 
his  services  were  required,  to  take  an  active  part  in  the 
war,  which,  according  to  the  Miscellanies  of  this  officer, 
"secured  in  our  interest  all  the  western  Indians."  In- 
deed,  he  was   very  soon  authorized   to  raise  an    Indian 


'  From  the  fVisconsin  Hist.  Co/.f  vol.  vii. 


ygoyne, 

rn  licbly  laden 
jiimals  for  the 
n,   the  farm  of 
cattle  to  have 
1  and  consumed 
ation,   noiwith- 
proclamation  of 
pt  a  single  cow, 
d  home  and  was 
le  surrender,  the 
,  homes,  erected 
I  the  soil.       But 
I  the  close  of  the 
the  Indians  and 
ide  repeated  raids 


Appendix. 


359 


AND    HIS    ReLA- 

Revolution   broke 
ix   years  old,  but 
the   solicitation  ot 
Hc,  he   resolved,  if 
active  part  in  the 
nles  of  this  officer, 
:rn  Indians."      In- 
to raise  an    Indian  j 


force,  and  "  attack  the  rebels  every  time  he  met  them," 
to  use  the  laniruagc  of  Ci^ptain  De  Peyster's  orders. 

Embodying  a  numerous  force  of  Sioux,    Sacs,  Foxes, 
iVlenominees,    Winn  hagoes,   Ottawas  and   Chippewas, 
Langlade  marched  for  iVJontrcal.      Upon  their  arrival  in 
that   city,  a   grand    council  was   held  with    all    the  cere- 
monies so  dear  to  the  Indians.     Larocque,  the  interpreter 
of  the  Sioux,  being  unable  to  fulfill  his  functions,  Lang- 
lade translated    the  speeches  of  the   chiefs  of  that   tribe 
into  the  Chippewa  dialect,  which  was  familiar  to  almost 
all  the  Indians  of  the  northwest,  interpreting  afterwards 
into  French  all  that  was  said  in  Chippewa.     It  is  well 
known  that  a  war  feast  preceded  most  Indian  expeditions  ; 
and  care  was   taken  on   this   occasion,  that    this  ancient 
and  solemn  custom  should  not  be  omitted.     At  the  ban- 
quet which  was   given,   an   ox  was   roasted  whole,  and 
served  to  these  voracious  guests,  who  speedily  devoured 
it.      Grignon's   Memoir  does    not  designate  any  of  the 
particular  services  rendered   by  Langlade  at  the  head  of 
the  warriors.      It   simply  says' that   he  took   part  in  en- 
gagements under  the  orders  of  Major  Campbell,  in   the 
English   army  commanded  by  General    Burgoyne,  upon 
the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  that   he  went  with 
new  recruits  to  Canada   several  times  during  the  war. 


Th 


e  arm 


y 


of  General  Burgoyne,   about   eighty-five 


hundred  soldiers,  and  five  hundred  savages  strong,  was 
to  invade  New  York  ^nd  eft'ect  its  junction  with  General 
Howe  at  Albany.  It  assembled  at  Crown  point  the 
thirtieth  of  June,  1777,  and  began  its  movement  early 
in  July.     It  had  been   proposed,   says  the  Canadian   his- 


360      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

torian  Garneau,  to  join  with  them  a  large  number  of 
Canadians  ;  but  in  spite  of  their  coldness  and  uncertainty 
as  to  the  future,  the  mass  of  the  people  were  but  little 
disposed  to  fight  against  the  Revolution.  Thus  Burgoyne 
was  able  to  induce  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  inhabitants 
to  follow  him/  the  others  were  overwhelmed  with  fatigue 
duties  at  home.^ 

Langlade  rejoined  Burgoyne's  army  with  his  savages 
at  Skenesborough,  now  Whitehall,  at  the  end  of  July, 
1777.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  brave  old  friend, 
Chevalier  Luc  du  la  Corne  St.  Luc, 3  who  though  sixty- 


'  Anburey,  in  his  travels,  affirms  that  three  hundred  Canadians  were 
enrolled  in  the  arnny  of  Burgoyne.  "  This  nation,"  says  he,  "sought  not 
to  be  involved  in  a  war  of  invasion  which  would  expose  them  to  repri- 
sals on  their  own  territory."  But  Burgoyne,  in  his  State  of  the  Expedition 
from  Canada,  page  lo,  declares  positively  that  the  number  of  Canadians 
who  served  in  his  army  did  not  exceed  one  hundred  and  fiftv. 

*  Histoire  du  Canada,  vol.  in,  p.  2,9. 

3  Luc  de  la  Corn  St.  Luc,  Chevalier  de  St.  Louis,  is  one  of  the  Canadians 
who  exercised  the  greatest  influence  over  the  savages.  One  of  his  first 
exploits  was  the  capture  of  Fort  Clinton,  in  1747.  He  distinguished  him- 
self at  the  battle  of  Ticonderoga,  where  he  carried  off  a  convoy  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  Gen.  Abercrombie's  wagons.  He  took  part  in  the 
battle  on  the  plains  of  Abraham  5  then  at  the  victory  of  St.  Foy,  near 
J2uebec,  where  he  was  wounded.  He  wished  to  go  to  France  after  the 
conquest  of  Canada;  but  the  vessel  TAuguste,  on  which  he  embarked,  was 
lost  upon  the  coast  of  Cape  Breton,  November  15,  1761  ;  and  after  this 
shipwreck  of  melancholy  celebrity,  in  which,  out  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
one  passengers,  only  seven  escaped  death,  he  returned  to  Canada,  making  a 
long  and  painful  march  through  the  woods,  and  remained  permanently  in 
the  country.  After  the  American  war,  St.  Luc  was  appointed  legislative 
councillor,  and  stoutly  defended  the  political  rights  of  the  Canadians  at  an 
epoch  when  they  were  not  always  respected.      He  died  at  an  advanced  age- 


irgoyne. 

irge  number  of 
and  uncertainty 

:  were  but    little 

Thus  Burgoyne 
fifty  inhabitants 

iiecl  with  fatigue 

vith  his  savages 
the  end  of  July, 
irave  old  friend, 
ho  though  sixty- 

ndred  Canadians  were 
says  he,  "sought  not 
expose  them  to  repri- 
State  of  the  Expedition 
number  of  Canadians 
and  fifty. 

is  one  of  the  Canadian^ 
ages.  One  of  his  first 
He  distinguished  him- 
l  off  a   convoy  of  one 

He  took   part  in  the 
ctory  of  St.  Foy,    near 
o  to    France  after   the 
lich  he  embarked,  was 
,  1761  ;  and  after  this 
ne  hundred  and  twenty- 
d  to  Canada,  making  a 
mained   permanently  in 
as  appointed  legislative 

of  the  Canadians  at  an 
ied  at  an  advanced  age- 


Appendix, 


361 


six  years  old,  had  not  hesitated  at  the  request  of  the 
governor  of  Canada,  Sir  Guy  Carleton,  to  take  the  di- 
rection of  the  savage  bands  which  had  come  to  reinforce 
the  English  army. 

Accgrding  to  Burgoyne,  these  children  of  the  wilder- 
ness did  not  render  all  the  assistance  that  was  expected 
of  them.  They  delighted  only  in  pillage  and  theft,  and 
were  guilty  of  frightful  murders.  When  there  was  the 
most  need  of  their  service,  they  began  to  disband,  and 
very  soon  not  one  remained  in  camp.  On  this  subject 
we  adduce  the  testimony  of  Anburey,  an  officer  of  the 
English  army,  whose  account  is  based  entirely  upon  that 
of  Burgoyne  : 

"  The  general  showed  great  resentment  to  the  Indians 
upon  this  occasion,^  and  laid  restraints  upon  their  dispo- 
sitions to  commit  other  enormities.  He  was  the  more 
exasperated,  as  they  were  Indians  of  the  remoter  tribes 
who  had  been  guilty  of  this  offence,  and  whom  he  had 
been  taught  to  look  upon  as  more  warlike.  I  believe, 
however,  he  has  found  equal  depravity  of  principle  reigns 
throughout  the  whole  of  them,  and  the  only  preeminence 
of  the  remoter  tribes  consists  in  their  ferocity.  From 
this  time,  there  was  an  apparent  change  in  their  temper  ; 
ill-humor  and  mutinous  disposition  strongly  manifested 
itself,  when  they  found  the  plunder  of  the  country  was 
controlled  ;  their  interpreters,  who  had  a  douceur  in  the 
capacity,  being  likewise  debarred  from  those  emoluments, 
were  profligate  enough  to  promote  dissension,  desertion 
and  revolt. 


The  supposed  murder  of  Miss  Jane  McCrea. 


m 


\'r- 


ni 


III' 


362      Campaign  of  General  "John  Burgoyne. 

"  In  this  instance,  however,  Monsieur  St.  Luc  is  to  be 
acquitted  of  those  factions,  though  I  hchcvc  he  was  but 
too  sensible  of  their  pining  after  the  accustomed  horrors, 
and  that  they  were  become  as  impatient  of  his  control  as 
of  ail  others,  howe\er,  through  the  guide  and  interest  of 
authority,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  affectionate  love  he 
bore  to  his  old  associates,  he  was  indiced  to  cover  the 
real  cause  under  frivolous  pretences  of  complaint. 

"At  the  pressing  instanc  of  St.  Luc,  a  council  was 
called,  when  to  the  general's  great  astonishment,  those 
nations  he  had  the  direction  of,  declared  their  intention 
of  returning  home,  at  the  same  time  demanding  the  gene- 
ral to  concur  with  and  assist  them.  This  event  was  ex- 
tremely embarrassing,  as  it  was  giving  up  part  of  the 
force  which  had  been  obtained  at  a  great  expense  to 
government,  and  from  whose  assistance  so  much  was 
looked  for  ;  on  the  other  hand,  if  a  cordial  reconciliation 
was  made  with  them,  it  must  be  by  indulgence  in  all 
their  excesses  of  blood  and  rapine.  Nevertheless  the 
general  was  to  give  an  immediate  a.  "  ver,  he  firmly  re- 
fused their  proposal,  insisted  upon  their  adherence  to  the 
restraints  that  had  been  established  ;  and  at  the  same 
time,  in  a  temperate  manner  represented  to  them  their 
ties  of  faith,  of  generosity,  and  honor,  adding  many  other 
persuasive  arguments,  to  encourage  them  in  continuing 
their  service. 

"  This  answer  seemed  to  have  some  weight  with  them, 
as  many  of  the  tribes  nearest  home  only  begged,  that 
some  part  of  them  might  be  permitted  to  return  to  their 
harvest,  which  was  granted.     Some  of  the  remote  tribes 


1( 


17 


of 
to 
h( 


rgoyne, 

St.  Luc  is  to  be 
icvc  he  was  but 
stonicd  horrors, 
)f  his  control  as 
z  and  interest  ot 
ctionate  love  he 
ed   to  cover  the 
omplaint. 
c,  a  council  was 
inishment,  those 
d  their  intention 
anding  the  gene- 
sis event  was  ex- 
;  up  part  of  the 
jreat   expense  to 
ce  so  much  was 
lial  reconciliation 
ndulgence  in   all 
Nevertheless   the 
ver,  he  firmly  re- 
adherence  to  the 
and   at   the  same 
ted  to  them  their 
dding  many  other 
em  in  continuing 

A^eight  with  them, 
only  begged,  that 
to  return  to  their 
•  the  remote  tribes 


Appendix, 


2>^2> 


seemed  to  retract  from  their  proposal,  professing  great 
zeal  for  the  service.  Notwithstanding  this,  to  the  as- 
tonishment of  the  general,  and  everv  one  belonging  to 
the  army,  the  desertion  took  place  the  next  dav,  when 
they  went  away  by  forces,  loaded  with  such  phinder  as 
they  had  collected,  and  have  continued  to  do  so  daily, 
till  scarce  one  of  those  that  joined  us  at  Skenesborough 
is  left.'" 

If  Burgoyne  was  unable  to  obtain  more  efficient  aid 
from  the  savages,  he  had  only  himself  to  blame  ;  for,  if 
we  may  believe  the  testimony  c)f  their  principal  com- 
mandant. La  Corne  St.  Luc,  Burgoyne  had  fallen  into 
the  fatal  errors  of  more  than  one  of  his  predecessors, 
and  had  not  acted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  gain  the  con- 
fidence of  the  Indian  tribes,  who  had  come  many  hundreds 
of  leagues  to  fight  under  the  English  flag. 

We  know  that  having  won  some  easy  triumphs,  Bur- 
goyne afterwards  suffered  many  defeats,  and  was  at 
length  ignominiously  beaten  at  Saratoga,  October  yth, 
1777,  when  he  with  his  army  was  obliged  to  capitulate. 
On  the  17th  this  disaster  caused  an  immense  sensation 
in  England,  aiid  public  opinion  almost  unanimously  con- 
.ienined  the  unfortunate  general  for  the  incapacity  and 
improvidence  he  had  shown.  Burgoyne  tried  to  justify 
his  conduct  by  pamphlets,  and  by  speeches  in  the  House 
of  Commons,  where  he  had  powerful  friends.  Desirous 
to  throw  the  responsibility  of  his  reverses  upon  others, 
he  attacked  with  severity  the  conduct  of  the  Canadians  and 


'  Anhurcy''s  Tra-ve/s,  Lond.  edition,  1791,  i,  p.  32.9-332. 


1 1' 


H 


364      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Indians,  complaining  bitterly  of  their  indifference  or  de- 
sertion, and  involving  their  intrepid  commander  in  the 
same  blame. ^ 

We  have  before  us  a  speech  pronounced  by  Burgoyne 
in  the  House  of  Commons  on  the  26th  of  May,  1778, 
in  which  he  brings  the  most  injurious  accusations  against 
the  character  of  La  Corne  St.  Luc.  This  latter  officer 
passed  a  part  of  the  preceding  winter  in  London,  and 
had  not  hesitated  to  declare  that  Burgoyne  did  not  seem 
to  him  so  superior  a  commander  as  had  been  believed  ; 
hence  the  resentment  of  the  unfortunate  general  against 
this  Canadian  officer  : 

"  Sir,  a  gentleman   has  been   in   London  great  jart  of 
the  winter,  who  I  wish  had  been  called  to  vour  bar.      It 
is  for  the  sake  of  truth  only  I  wish  it  j   for  he  is  certainly      se 
no  friend  of  mine.      His  name  is  St.   Luc   le  Corne,  a 
distinguished  partisan  of  the  French  in  the  last  war,  and  |  hi 


( 
c 

a 

g 
e 

V 

n 

P 

ir 

h 
di 
di 
d\ 
th 


now  in  the  British  service  as  a  leader  of  the  Indians. 
He  owes  us,  indeed,  some  service,  having  been  formerlv 
instrumental  in  scalping  many  hundred  British  soldiers 
upon  the  very  ground  where,  though  with  a  different  sort 
of  latitude,  he  was  this  year  em'^loyed.  He  is  by  nature, 
education,  and  practice,  artful,  ambitious  and  a  courtier. 
To  the  g'  "idge  he  owed  me  for  controlling  him  in  the  use 


th 


sc< 


nel 


m 


This    {general,    says    Garneau,   wished    to   throw  the    blame   upon  the  j    ^i 


Canadians  5  but  in  his  army  of  eight  thousand  men,  there  were  but  one 
hundred  and  fifty  combatants  from  our  province.  Burgoyne  complained 
also  in  unmeasured  terms  of  the  conduct  of  M.  de  Luc,  commandant  of  the 
savages  j  but  this  officer  easily  repelled  the  attacks  of  a  man  who  was  a 
better  talker  than  captain. 


VQi 


\W\ 


urgoyne. 


idifference  or  de- 
oHimander  in  the 

,ced  by  Burgoyne 

h  of  May,  1778. 
ccusations  against 
This  latter  officer 
in  London,  and 
3yne  did  not  seem 
ad  been  believed  -, 
ate  general  against 


Appendix, 


2^S 


of  the  hatchet  and  scalping-knife,  it  was  natural  to  his 
character  to  recommend  himself  to  ministerial  favor,  by 
any  censure  in  his  power  to  cast  upon  an  unfashionable 
general.  He  was  often  closeted  by  a  noble  lord  in  my 
eye  (Lord  George  Germain)  ;  and  with  all  these  disad- 
vantages, as  he  has  not  been  examined  here,  I  wish  the 
noble  lord  to  inform  the  House,  what  this  rrian  has 
presumed  to  say  of  my  conduct  with  the  Indians.  I  know, 
in  private  companies,  his  language  has  been,  that  the 
Indians  might  have  done  great  services,  but  they  were 
discharged.  Sir,  if  to  restrain  them  from  murder  was  to 
discharge  them,  I  take  with  pride  the  blame  —  they  were 
A       preat  part  of  1  discharged.     That  circumstance  apart,  I  should  say  that 

J  ..     ,....1-  K,ir       It   1  the   Indians  and    Mr.  St.  Luc  at   the  head  of  them   de- 
;d  to  youi   oar.      a«-  j 

fbr  he  is  certainly  1  serted."^ 

T   ic   le  Corne    a  '      To  this  summons  Lord  Germain  responded,  that  he 

.   i 


n  the  last  war,  and 
ier  of  the  Indians. 
Lving  been  formerly 
■ed  British  soldiers 
with  a  different  sort 
He  is  by  nature, 
ious  and  a  courtier, 
lling  him  in  the  use 


had  indeed  had  interviews  with  M.  St.  Luc,  in  which 
the  latter  had  declared  that  General  Burgoyne  was  a 
good  officer  with  regular  troops  ;  but  that  he  did  not 
seem  to  like  Indians,  nor  to  have  taken  the  measures 
necessary  to  retain  their  good  will.  In  short,  St.  Luc 
had  said  to  him,^  "  General   Burgoyne  is  a    brave  man  ; 


)ut  h 


e  IS  as  heavy  as  a 


rerman. 


) 


When  intelligence  of  the  speech  of  Gen.  Burgoyne 

[reached  de  la   Corne  St.  Luc,  he  replied  to   i*^  by  a  very 

irow  the  blame  upon  the  i vigorous   letter,  dated    at    Quebec^   October   23,   1778, 

men,  there  were  but  one 
Burgoyne  complained, 
le  Luc,  commandant  of  the 
acks   of  a  man  who  was  a. 


:e 


appeared  in   French,  in  the  London   papers.      It 


■liamcntary  History  of  England^  vol.  xix,  p.   iiXi, 


Ibid. 


y  p.    II9S' 


■l 


fjl  II!;' 


366      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

produced  an  impression  far  from   favorable  to  the  cause 
of  his  accuser.      In  this  letter,  St.  Luc  says  to  General 
Burgoyne,  that  he  has  no  right  to  treat  him   so  inde- 
corously i   that  his  origin   is  as  good   as  his  own  —  his 
adversary   was  a  natural   son^  —  that    his   Hfty  years  ot 
service   were   ample   demonstration    that    he    had    never 
shrank  from  the  dangers  of  war,  and  that  he  had  achieved 
a  reputation  long  before  he,  Burgoyne,  had   had  an  op- 
portunity  to  destroy  one  of  the  finest  armies  that   had 
ever  come  into  the  country.      He  added,  that  if  the  In 
dians  had   little  by   little  deserted   the   English  army,  it 
was  because  Burgoyne  had  not  given  them  enough  atten- 
tion, nor  taken  sufficient  erne  of  them.      In  the  affair  at 
Bennington,  August  16,  1777,  when  several  hundred  of 
the  English  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners,  among  whom 
were  a  good   number  of  savages,  the   Indians  were  as- 
tonished to  see,  for  instance,  that   Burgoyne  sent  no  de-j 
tachment  to  rally  the  stragglers  of  the  vanquislicd  body,.  In 
or  to  succor  the  wounded,  of  whom  many  died.  IT 

"This  conduct,"  say<  St.  Luc,  "  did  not  give  them  a|th( 
very  high  idea  of  the  care  that  you  would  take  of  those 
who  fought  under  your  (.rders.  The  indifference  which 
you  manifested  as  to  the  fate  of  the  Indians  who  too]<| 
part  in  this  (Bennington)  expedition,  to  the  number  otjfiu 
a  hundred  and  fifty,  disgusted  them  to  the  last  degree] 
with  the  service  ;   for  a  large  number  of  savages  had  pcr- 


s* 

is 

d^ 

B 

se 

Y 

a/il 

to 


six! 


•  An  error.      General   Burgoyne  was  born  in  lawful  wedlock  —  anJ.   tluj 
gossip  at  the  time  was  as  cruel  as  it  was  unjust.      For  proof  of  this  in  fu 
iee  FonhlanqueWife  of  Burgoyne. —  W.   L,  S. 


[un| 
left 


\o\n 


ii:  m 


Burgoyne. 

rable  to  the  cause 
ic  says  to  General 
reat  him  so  inde- 
as  his  own  —  his 
his  fifty  years  ot 
hat   he    had    never 
lathe  had  achieved 
le,  had  had  an  op 
St  armies  that   had 
ded,  that  if  the  In 
e  English  army,  it 
them  enough  atten 
^.     In  the  affair  at  I 
several  hundred  ot 
Dners,  among  whom 
e   Indians  were   as- _ 
urgoyne  sent  no  de-| 
le  vanquished  body, 
many  died, 
did  not  give  them  a 
would  take  of  those 
e  indifference  whicbl 
le  Indians  who  tooki 
1,  to  the   number  ot 
n  to  the  last  degree 
r  of  savages  had  pcr- 

Uwful  wedlock  —  and  tlic 
For  proof  of  this  "m  full 


Appendix. 


3^1 


ished  on  the  battle-field  with  their  redoubtable  chief,  and 
of  sixty-one  Canadians,  fortv-five  only  escaped  death."' 

In  the  council  which  was  held  after  this  unfortunate 
affair,  St.  Luc  informed  Burgoyne  of  the  discontent  of 
the  savages,  which  very  soon  broke  out  in  so  open  a 
manner,  that  they  left  the  English  camp  altogether, 
because  Burgoyne  refused  them  provisions,  shoes,  and 
the  services  of  an  interpreter. 

"  Respecting  the  reason  for  having  deserted  the  army," 
says  St.  Luc  to  Burgoyne,  "you  should  recollect  that  it 
is  you  who  were  the  cause  of  ir.y  departure  ;  for,  two 
days  after  the  savages  had  left,  vou  saw  your  error,  and 
Brigadier  General  Eraser  had  already  foreseen  the  con- 
sequences of  your  conduct  in  regard  to  the  savages. 
You  then  sent  for  me  to  come  to  the  brigadier's  tent, 
and  you  asked  me  to  return  to  Canada,  bearing  despatches 
to  General  Carleton  praying  his  excellency  to  treat  the 
Indians  with  kindness,  and  to  send  them  back  to  you. 
This  I  did,  and  I  should  have  joined  the  army,  had  not 
the  communications  been  interrupted.     *      *     *     * 

"  Be  that  as  it  may,  notwithstanding  my  advanced  age, 
sixty-seven  years,  I  am  ready  to  cross  the  ocean  to  justify 

ister,  and  before  mv '^ountrv. 


'bl 


'y 


from  the  ill-founded  accusation  that  you   have  brought 


'  Captain  F.  Montague,  who  took  part  in  Burgoyne's  campaign,  declared, 
Itvlu-n  questioned  by  a  committee  of  the  House  of  Commons,  on  the  ist  of 
[unc,  1779,  '^hat  many  savages  quitted  the  army  at  ditt'erent  times  :'/ter  the 
lefeat  at  Bennington,  which  corroborates  the  assertion  of  St.  Luc  on  this 
loint.     See  State  of  the  Expedite n  from  Canada,  p.  75. 


im  I 


Iljl:' 

Ml  !iif 


368      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

against  me,  although  I  do  not  at  all  care  what  you  per- 
sonally think  of  me." 

This  letter,  full  of  noble  pride,  received  no  reply  that 
we  know  of,  and  Burgoyne  contented  himself  with  mak- 
ing a  soothing  allusion  in  a  speech  which  he  made  before 
the  House  of  Commons,  the  fourteenth  of  the  following 
December. 

While  justifying  himself  thus  completely,  St.  Lncatthe 
same  time  revealed  in  its  true  light  Langlade's  conduct 
in  this  campaign  ;  for,  bound  together  by  a  close  friend- 
ship, holding  similar  positions,  they  acted  under  the  same  | 
inspiration,  and  had  in  view  only  the  true  interests  of  the 
cause  for  which  they  fought.  If  neither  was  well  under- 
stood by  General  Burgoyne,  his  want  of  tact  and  justice 
towards  them,  were  only  too  fully  avenged  at  a  later 
period. 

No.  XIII. 
Letter  of  General  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  a  Parti 

CIPANT  IN  THE    BaTTLE,    WITH   NoTES  BY  THE  Au 
THOR.^ 


s 
n 

s 

B 

hi 
tri 


The  following  account  of  the  battle  at  Satatoga  isfth 
from  the  pen  of  E.  Mattoon,  Esq.,  gf  Amherst,  Massi 
He  was  an  officer  in  the  army,  and  took  a  very  active||pii 
part  in  that  memorable  contest  "  which  tried  men' Jbc 
souls."  The  description  is  given  in  lively  colors,  anclcc 
contains  some  important  facts  which  have  never  beforjBi 

'  For  this  valuable  letter  from  the  Saratoga  Sentinel  of  November  lotli 
1835,  I  am  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  my  friend  Mr,   Lyman  C.  Drapcj 
of  Madison,  Wis.,  who  first  directed  my  attention  to  it.  ""^I 


\urgoyne. 

re  what  you  pei- 

ived  no  reply  that 
t^imself  with  mak- 
ch  he  made  before 
h  of  the  following 

etely,St.Lacatthe 
.anglade's  conduct 
r  by  a  close  friend- 
ted  under  the  same 
true  interests  of  the 
:her  was  well  under- 
,t  of  tact  and  justice 

avenged  at  a  later 


Appendix, 


369 


/Iattoon,  a  Parti- 
Notes  BY  THE  Au- 

battle  at  Satatoga  isi 
Qf  Amherst,  Mass,j 
|d  took  a  very  activV 
"which  tried  men' 
in  hvely  colors,  an( 
:b  have  never 


befon 


been    published.     It   cannot    fail  to   be  read    with  deep 
interest. 

Amherst,  Mass.,  Oct.  7,  1835. 
Philip  Schuyler,  Esq. 

Sir  :  Yours  of  the  17th  ult.,  requesting  mc  to  give  you 
a  detailed  account  of  what  I  recollect  of  the  battle  at 
Saratoga,  surrender  of  Gen.  Burgoyne,  etc.,  was  duly 
received. 

When  I  left  home  on  a  visit  to  my  friend  Frost,  at 
Union  Village,  it  was  my  intention  to  have  visited  the 
ground  on  which  the  army  of  Gen.  Burgoyne  was  met 
and  compelled  to  surrender.  But  the  absence  of  Mr. 
Frost  prevented.  Had  I  known,  however,  that  a  de- 
scendant of  that  venerable  patriot  and  distinguished  com- 
mander, Gen.  Schuyler,  was  living  on  the  ground,  I 
should  have  procured  means  to  pay  him  my  respects. 

Gen.  Gates,  indeed,  obtained  the  honor  of  capturing 
Burgoyne  and  his  army  ;  but  let  me  tell  you,  sir,  that  it 
was  more  through  the  wise  and  prudent  counsels  of  your 
brave  and  distinguished  ancestor,  and  the  energy  and  in- 
trepidity of  Generals  Lincoln  and  Arnold,  than  through 
the  ability  and  foresight  of  Gates. 

In  my  narrative,  1  shall  confine  myself  to  what  trans- 
Ipired  from  the  7th  to  the  17th  day  of  October,  1777, 
[both  days  included.  This  will  necessarily  lead  me  to 
[correct  the  statement  of  Gen.  Wilkinson  and  a  Mr. 
iBuel^  in  your  neighborhood,  respecting  the  fall  of  Gen. 
'raser.      By  confounding  tlie  two  accounts  of  the  19th 


5.«^/««/ of  November  lotlil 
viend  Mr.  Lyman  C.  Drapc| 
ition  to  it. 


'  For  an  account  of  Mr.  Biiel    sec    Prof.    Silliman's    visit  to    the   battle 
|round  in  the  Appendix. 

32 


■ 


370       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

oV  September,  and  7th  of  October,  neither  of  them  is 
correctly  described. 

The  action  of  the  19th  of  September,  commenced 
about  ten  o'clock,  a.m.,  and  continued  during  the  day, 
®ach  army  alternately  advancing  and  retiring.  On  that 
day,  Col.  Morgan  posted  a  number  of  his  riflemen  to 
take  off  the  officers  as  they  appeared  out  of  the  woods  ; 
but  no  such  posting  of  riflemen  occurred  on  the  7th  of 
October,  Gen.  Wilkinson  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. 

On  the  7th  of  October  the  American  army  was  posted, 
their  right  v/ing  resting  on  the  North  river,  and  their 
left  extending  on  to  Bemis's  heights.  Generals  Nixon  and 
Glover  commanding  on  the  right ;  Lincoln,  the  centre, 
and  Morgan  and  Larned  the  left.^  The  British  army, 
with  its  left  resting  on  the  river,  comm.  nded  by  Phillips  ; 
their  centre  by  Gen.   Redhiesel,^  and  the  extreme  right 


'  "  The  position  thus  selected  lay  between  the  Hudson  river  on  the  eas 
and  Saratoga  lake  only  six  miles  to  the  west ;  the  high   lands  west  of  the 
river  valley  were  cut  by  three  deep  ravines  leading  easterly,  forming  strong 
natural  barriers  against  an  approaching  army ;  the  whole   country  in  thisi 
vicinity  was  a  wilderness,  and  the  high  ground  approaches  so  near  the  river 
there,  that  it  was  the  most  advantageous  point  in  the  whole  valley  to  dis- 
pute the  passage  of  the   British  army  moving  from  the  north.      Such  was] 
the  place  selected  by  the  experienced  Polish  patriot  Koscuisko,  and  approved! 
by   Gen.  Gates,  as   the  Thermopylte   of  the   struggle   for  American  free- 
dom."—  General  E.  F.  Bullard's  Centennial  Address  at    Schuy/er-vi/ley  Julyl 
4,  1876. 

=  Ried-esel,  pronounced  Re-day-zel,  with  accent  on  second  syllable.  The 
Cockneys  in  the  British  army  pronounced  it  Red-hazel  —  whence  Genera] 
Mattoon's  spelling  of  it  is  doubtless  derived. —  Author. 


!ii  iniiM' 


ill'i: 


\urgoyne. 

ther  of  them  is 

oer,  commenced 
,   during  the  day, 
^tiring.     On  that 
■  his   riflemen   to 
ut  of  the  woods  ;     i 
red  on  the  yth  of 
:ontrary    notwith- 

[1  army  was  posted, 
:h  river,  and   their 
ienerals  Nixon  and 
incoln,  the  centre, 
The  British  army, 
Ti.  nded  by  PhiUips  •, 
1  the  extreme  right 


e  Hudson  river  on  the  eas 
:he  high  lands  west  of  the 
ng  easterly,  forming  strong 
the  whole  country  in  this  i 
.pproachesso.neartheriverj 

in  the  whole  valley  to  dis- 

from  the  north.     Such  was 
jot  Koscuisko,  and  approved  j 

struggle   for  American  free- 
ddrc^s  at   Scbuyler'ville,  July! 


Appendix, 


371 


extending  to  the  heights,  was  commanded  by  Lord  Bal- 
carras  ^  where  he  was  strongly  fortified.  Their  light 
troops  were  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Fraser  and 
Lord  Auckland.^ 

About  one  o'clock  of  this  day,  two  signal  guns  were 
fired  on  the  left  of  the  British  army  which  indicated  a 
movement.  Our  troops  were  immediately  put  under 
arms,  and   the   lines  manned.      At  this  juncture  Gens. 

towards  the 


g' 


>pe( 


enemy's    lines.       While   they  were   absent,   the  picket 
p-uards  on   both  sides  were  en<2:ao:ed   near  the  river.      I 


&"t>^ 


n 


^bout    half  an   hour.  Generals  Lincoln  and  Arnold    re- 
urned  to  headquarters,  where  many  of  the  officers  col- 
lected to  hear  the  report.  General  Gates  standing  at  the 


loor 


Gen.  Lincoln  says,  '*  Gen.  Gates,  the  firing  at  the 
river  is  merely  a  feint  ;  their  object  is  your  left.  A 
strong  force  of  1500  men  are  marching  circuitously,  to 
plant  themselves  on  yonder  height.  That  point  must  be 
defended,  or  your  camp  is  in  danger."  Gates  replied, 
I  will  send  Morgan  with  his  riflemen,  and  Dearborn's 


(C 


m 


fantry." 

Arnold  says,  "  That  is  nothing ;  you  must  send  a 
strong  force."  Gates  replied,  "  Gen.  Arnold,  I  have 
nothing  for  you  to  do  ;  you  have  no  business  here." 
[Arnold's  reply  was  reproachful  and  severe. 


-ent  on  second  syllable,    ^h  _  .       a:  , 

1  r-onpriB       Balcarras,  it  may  be  remembered,  was  the  orncer  who  KOt  into  a  serious 

ed-hazel  —  whence  CreneraM  .'•'.,  '        .    .  ^ 

■Itercation  with  Arnold  m  England —  refusing  to  speak  or  recognize  him. 

.  Author.  I 

*  Ackland. 


■HMiMBBHI 


i:!t!: 


liiill'l 


lli:':l:i   1 


372      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

Gen.  Lincoln  says,  "  You  must  send  a  strong  force 
to  support  Morgan  and  Dearborn,  at  least  three  regi- 
ments." 

"^wo  regiments  from  Gen.  Larncd's  brigade,  and  one 
from  Gen.  Nixon's,  were  then  ordered  to  that  station, 
and  to  defend  it,  at  all  hazards.  Generals  Lincoln  and 
Arnold  immediately  left  the  encampment,  and  proceeded 
to  the  enemy's  lines. 

In  a  few  minutes,  Capt.  Furnivarscompany  of  artillery, 
in  which  I  was  lieutenant,  was  ordered  to  march  towards 
the  fire,  which  had  now  opened  upon  our  picket  in  front, 
the  picket  consisting  of  about  300  men.  While  we 
were  marching,  the  whole  line,  up  to  our  picket  or  front, 
was  engaged.  We  advanced  to  a  height  of  ground 
which  brought  the  enemy  in  view,  and  opened  our  fire. 
But  the  enemy's  guns,  eight  in  number,  and  much 
heavier  than  ours,  rendered  our  position    untenable. 

We  then  advanced  into  the  line  of  infantry.  Here 
Lieutenant  M'Lane  joined  me.  In  our  front  there  v/^^ 
a  field  of  corn,  in  which  the  Hessians  were  secreted. 
On  our  advancing  towards  the  corn  field,  a  number  of 
men  rose  and  fired  upon  us.  M'Lane  was  severely 
wounded.  While  I  was  removing  him  from  the  field, 
the  firing  still  continued  without  abatement. 

During  this  time,  a  tremendous  firing  was  heard  onj 
our  left.     We  poured  in  upon    them  our  canister  shot, 
as  fast  as  possible,  and  the  whole  line,  from  left  to  right, 
became  engaged.     The  smoke  was  very  dense,  and  nol 
movements  could  be  seen  ;  but  as  it  soon  arose,  our  in- 
fantry appeared  to  be  slowly  retreating,  and  the  Hessiansl 


( 

1 

c 

t 

d 

c 


ff 

\i--.^ 


L 

iti 


)ii 


rgoyne. 

a  strong  force 
sast    three  regi- 

M-igade,  and  one 
I  to  that  station, 
lals  Lincohi  and 
u,  and  proceeded 

^pany  of  artillery, 
to  march  towards 
ur  picket  in  front, 
men.     While  we 
)ur  picket  or  front, 
height  of   gi-ound 
id  opened  our  fire.   | 
,mber,  and    much  ' 
on   untenable. 
3f  infantry.      Here 
3ur  front  there  ^.v^.^ 
ans   were  secreted. 
,  field,  a  number  of 
Lane   was  severely 
lim   from  the  field, 
Lement. 
firing  was  heard  on 
,  our  canister  shot, 
e,  from  left  to  right, 
very  dense,  and  nol 
.  soon  arose,  our  m-j 
„cr,  and  the  Hessians| 


Appendix, 


373 


slowly   advancing,  their    officers    urgiiig   them    on   with 
their  hangers. 

Just  at  this  moment,  an  elderly  man,  with  a  long 
hunting  gun,  coming  up,  I  said  to  him,  "  Daddy,  the 
infantry  mustn't  leave,  I  shall  be  cut  to  pieces."  He  re- 
plied, "  I'll  give  them  another  gun."  The  smoke  then 
rising  again,  several  officers,  led  by  a  general,  appeared 
moving  to  the  northward,  in  rear  of  the  Hessian  line. 
The  old  man,  at  that  instant,  discharged  his  gun,  and 
the  general  officer  pitched  forward  on  the  neck  of  his 
horse,  and  instantly  they  all  wheeled  about,  the  old  man 
observing,  "  I  liave  killed  that  officer,  let  him  be  who 
he  will."  I  replied,  '^you  have,  and  it  is  a  general 
officer,  and  by  his  dress  I  believe  it  is  Phaser."  While 
they  were  turning  about,  three  of  their  horses  dropped 
down  ;  but  their  further  movements  were  then  con- 
cealed by  the   smoke. 

Here  I  will  offier  the  reasons  why  I  think  this  officer 
was  C'en.  Fraser,  and  that  he  was  killed  1  the  shot  ot 
this  old  man.  In  the  first  place,  the  distance,  by  actual 
measurement,  was  within  reach  of  a  gun.  For  the  next 
morning,  a  dispute  arising  about  the  distance,  some  con- 
tending that  it  was  eight  rods,  and  others  fifteen,  two 
respectable  sergeants,  both  of  whom  have  since  been 
[generals  in  the  militia  of  Massachusetts,  Boardman  and 
Lazell,  were  selected  to  decide  the  dispute,  by  pacing  the 
[ground.  They  did  so,  and  found  the  distance  from  the 
stump  where  the  old  man  stood  to  the  spot  where  the 
horses  fell,  just  twelve  rods.  In  the  next  place,  die 
ifficer  was  shot  through  the  body  from  left  to  right  as 


iil.li- 


!.  i  i';  I, 


374      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

was  afterwards  ascertained.  Now  from  his  relative 
position  to  the  posted  riflemen,  he  could  not  have  been 
shot  through  in  this  direction,  but  they  must  have  hit 
him  in  front.  Moreover  the  riflemen  could  not  have 
seen  him,  on  account  of  the  smoke  in  which  he  was  en- 
veloped.^ 

The  troops  continuing  warmly  engaged,  Col.  John- 
son's regiment  coming  up,  threw  in  a  heavy  fire,  and  com- 
pelled the  Hessians  to  retreat.  Upon  this  we  advanced 
with  a  shout  of  victory.  At  the  same  time  Auckland's 
corps  gave  way. 

We  proceeded  but  a  short  distance  before  we  came 
upon  four  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  closely  surrounded 
with  the  dead  and  dying  ;  at  a  few  yards  further  we  came 
upon  two  more.  Advancing  a  little  further,  we  were 
met  by  a  fire  from  the  British  infantry,  which  proved 
very  fatal  to  one  of  Col.  Johnson's  companies,  in  which 
were  killed  one  sergeant,  one  corporal,  fourteen  pri- 
vates—  and  about  twenty  were  wounded. 

They  advanced  with  a  quick  step,  firing  as  they  came 
on.  We  returned  them  a  brisk  fire  of  canister  shot,  not 
allowing  ourselves  time  even  to  sponge  our  pieces.  In 
a  short  time  they  ceased  firing,  and  advanced  upon  us| 
with  trailed  arms.  At  this  juncture  Arnold  came  up 
with  a  part  of  Brooks's  regiment,  and  gave  them  a  most! 
deadly  fire,  which  soon  caused  them  to  face  about  and! 
retreat  with  a  quicker  step  than  they  advanced. 


^  Still,  there  seems  no  doubt  that  Murphy,  by  the  orders  of  Morgan^ 
shot  Fraser  j  see  Silliman's  visit  in  the  Appendix  where  he  speaks  of  Morgar 
having  told  his  friend,  Hon.  Richard  Brent,  to  this  effect. 


urgoyne. 

om    his    relative 
Id  not  have  been 
;y  must  have  hit 
,  could  not  have 
which  he  was  en- 
raged, Col.  John- 
!avy  fii-e,  and  com- 
i  this  we  advanced 
e  time  Auckland's 


e  before  we  came 
closely  surrounded 
ds  further  we  came 
e  further,  we  were 
atry,  which  proved 
ompanies,  in  which 
^oral,  fourteen  pri- 
nded. 

firing  as  they  came 
of  canister  shot,  not 
,nge  our  pieces.     In 
.  advanced  upon  us! 
lie    Arnold  came  up] 
id  gave  them  a  mosti 
m  U)  face  about  and] 
y  advanced. 

by  the  orders  of  Morgan] 
where  he  speaks  of  Morga. 
this  effect. 


Appendix, 


375 


The  firing  had  now  principally  ceased  on  our  left,  but 
was  brisk  in  front  and  on  the  right.  At  this  moment, 
Arnold'  says  to  Col.  Brooks  (late  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts), "  Let  us  attack  Balcarras's  works."  Brooks  re- 
plied, ••'  No.  Lord  Auckland's  detachment  has  retired 
there,  we  can't  carry  them."  "  Well,  then,  let  us  attack 
the  Hessian  lines."  Brooks  replies,  "  With  all  my  heart." 
We  all  wheeled  to  the  right,  and  advanced.  No  fire 
was  received,  except  from  the  cannon,  until  we  got 
within  about  eight  rods,  when  we  received  a  tremendous 
fire  from  the  whole  line.  But  a  ^qw  of  our  men,  how- 
ever, fell.  Still  advancing,  we  received  a  second  fire, 
in  which  a  few  men  fell,  and  Gen.  Arnold's  horse  fell 
under  him,  and  he  himself  was  wounded.  He  cried  out, 
''  Rush  on,  my  brave  boys."  After  receiving  the  third 
fire.  Brooks  mounted  their  works,  swung  his  sword, 
and  the  men  rushed  into  their  works.  When  we  en- 
tered the  works,  we  found  Col.  Bremen  dead,  surrounded 
with  a  number  of  his  companions,  dead  or  wounded. 
We  still  pursued  slowly  j  the  fire,  in  the  meantime,  de- 
creasing. Nightfall  now  put  an  end  to  this  day's 
bloody  contest.  During  the  day,  we  had  taken  eight 
I  cannon,  and  broken  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  lines. 

We  were  ordered  to  rest  until  relieved  from  the 
icamps.  The  gloom  of  the  night,  the  groans  and  shrieks 
lof  the  wounded  and  dying,  and  the  horrors  of  the  whole 
[scene  baffle  all  description 

Under  cover  of  this  night  (the  yth)  the  British  army 
;hanged  their   position,  so  that  it   became   necessary   to 


37^       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

reconnoitre  on  the  ground.^  While  Gen.  Lincoln  was 
doing  this,  he  was  severely  wounded,  so  that  his  active 
services  were  lost  to  the  artuy  during  that  campaign. 
A  powerful  rain  commenced  about  ii  o'clock,  which 
continued  without  abatement  till  the  morning  of  the  9th. 
In  this  time,  information  came  that  Gen.  Buigoyne  had 
removed  his  troops  to  Saratoga.  At  9  o'clock  a.m.,  of 
October  8th,  Captain  Furnival  received  orders  to  march 
to  the  river,  to  cross  the  floating  bridge,  and-  repair  to 
the  fording  p. ace,  opposite  Saratc^ga,  where  we  arrived  at 
dusk.  'I'here  we  found  Gen.  Bailey  of  New  Hampshire, 
with  about  900  men,  erecting  a  long  lange  of  fires,  to 
indicate  the  presence  of  a  large  army.  The  British 
troops  had  covered  the  opposite  heights  with  their  lires. 
In  the  early  part  of  the  evening  Col.  Moseley  arrived 
with  his  regiment  of  Massachusetts  militia,  when  our 
company  was  directed  by  Gen.  Bailey  to  make  a  show 
of  our  Held  pieces  at  the  river.  We  soon  extinguished 
their  lights.  Then  we  were  ordered  to  pass  Battcnkill 
river,  and  erect  works  there,  during  the  night,  in  the 
morning  we  perceived  a  number  of  officers  on  the  stairs, i 
and  on  the  east  side  of  the  house,  on  the  hill,  a  little  north! 


h 
o 
ei 


^  During  a  retreat,  a  "  Mr.  Willard,  resuling  near  the  foot  of  tlie  moun- 
tain opposite  the  battle  ijrouncl,  by  night  would  display  signals  from  its  top! 
by  different  lights,  in  such  manner  as  from  time  totime  to  give  the  Ameri- 
cans the  location  and  movements  of  the  British  army.  That  mountaini 
tain  is  plainly  visible  from  Albany- and  Fort  Edward.  It  has  ever  since! 
been  known  by  the  name  of  "  Willard's  mountain  "  That  is  certainly! 
one  of  the  earliest  systems  of  telegraphing  known  to  have  been  put  in  prac-l 
tice. 


Iw, 
1. 

it'i 

1113 

fift 

)ro 

;vi 

iisi 

)\ 

]u- 

Jie 

le 


Burgoyne. 

}cn.  Lincoln  was 
so  that  his  active 
g   that  campaign. 
I   o'clock,  which 
jorningotthc9th. 
en.   Bui^^oync  had 
9  o'clock  A.M.,  ot 
ed  orders  to  march 
dge,  and-  repair    to 
vhere  we  arrived  at 
jt"  New  Hampshire, 
g  range  of  fires,  to 
imy.     The    British 
^hts  with  their  fires, 
ol.  Moseley  arrived  j 
s  mihtia,  when  our 
ley  to  make  a  show 
e  soon  extinguished 
id  to  pass  Battcnkill 
r  the  night.      In  the 
officers  on  the  stairs, 
the  hill,  a  little  north 


near  the  foot  of  the  moun- 

display  signals  from  its  top 

e  totin^e  to  give  the  Ameri-| 

ish   army.     That  mountain! 

dward.      It  has   ever   since! 

untam  "     That  is   certainly| 

lA-n  to  have  been  put  in  prac 


Afpendix, 


311 


of  tlie  Battcnkill  river,  apparently  surveying  our  situation 
and  works. 

My  captain'being  sick  at  the  time,  I  lexelled  our  guns, 
and  with  such  effect  as  to  disperse  them.  Wc  took  the 
house  to  he  tlieir  headquarters.'  We  continued  our 
fire  till  a  nine  or  twelve  pounder  was  brought  to  bear 
upon  us,  and  rendered  our  works  useless.  Next  we 
were  ordered  to  repair,  in  haste,  to  Foit  Edward,  to 
defend  the  fording  place.  Col.  iMoseley's  regiment 
accompanied  us.  Some  slight  works  were  thic^wn  up 
by  us  ;  and  while  thus  employed,  a  number  of  Bi  itish 
officers  appeared  on  the  opposite  side  of  tlie  river.  We 
endeavored  to  salute  them  according  to  their  rank. 
T  hev  soon  disappeared. 


This  was  the  house,  mentioned  in  the  text,  as  the  one  in  which  Riede- 
|sel  was  stationed.     Speaking  of  this  house,  Gen.  BuUard,  in  his  ce.'-»cennial 
address  says:    ■*  At  that  time  this  house  belonged  to  the  La.i^lng  family,  of 
Albany  and  was  probably  occupied  by  them  as  a  summer  residence.      It  was 
deserted  before  the  British  army  arrived    from  tlie  north  in   September.      It 
Ks.is  a  two  story  house,  having  a  gable  or  French  roof,  fronting  east  with  a 
lli.ill  in  tlie   middle    and  a  room  at  each   end.      One   of  ihe  old  rafters    and 
lie  plank  of  the   partition,  each   shattered  by  a  cannon   ball,  arc  still  care- 
fully preserved  on  the  spot  by  Mrs.   Marshall.      She  has  kindly  placed   in 
iny  hands  a  gold  piece,  found  by  Samuel  Marshall  on   those  premises  about 
ifty  years   ago,   which  is   stamped,   "  Georgius  tii,   Dei   Gratia^''  with  his 
irofile  on  the  one  side,  and  on  the  other  the  British  crown,  1776.     This  was 
ividently  a  coin  lost  by  the  officers  in    1777."     The  house  stands  a  short 
listance  from  the  road   on  a  gentle  eminence,  directly  opposite  the  mouth 
>f  the  Batten  kil,  and  one  mile  north  of  the  Fish  kil.     The  room  in  which 
Ihe  wnounded  man  lay,  as  narrated  in   the  text,  is  the   north  east  angle  of 
he  house;   and  the  visiter  can  see  on   casting  an  eye  across  tlie  river,  that 
he   cannon  that  did   the  mischief  must   have   stood  on  a  small  eminence 
fill  visible  on  the  eastern  bank. 


3  7  8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

During  this  day  (the  lOth)  we  captured  fifty  Indians, 
and  a  large  number  of  Canadians  and  tories.  We  re- 
mained at  Fort  Edward  till  the  morning  of  the  13th. 
Being  then  informed  of  the  armistice  which  had  been 
agreed  upon,  we  w^re  ordered  to  return  to  our  position 
upon  the  Battenkill  and  repair  our  works.  Here  we  re- 
mained till  the  morning  of  the  17th,  when  we  received 
orders  to  repair  to  Gen.  Gates's  head  quarters  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river. 


'^l 


^ 


fet^ 


.j*;-;iii'"e;i^ 


■rvf7'-:S-, 


-^5 


1 

d 
tl 

r( 

c 

7 

w 
m 

St( 

Jliv 
tal 


^Ww 


:i  'I'.:- 


l^m 


m 


^(i^i 


*-j^ 


p- 


Mi 


WM 


..■';'%4".. 

|7j  '"'  -••"■'■ -'-'*^'' 


^-y>^ 


^J. 


^^; 


mMi)  w^ji?'^-<^'^^ 


THE  BATTEN  KIL. 


:h( 

[Q 

)n"i 


As  we   passed   along  we  saw  the   British  army  pilin 
(not  stacking)  their  arms  ;   the   piles  of  arms  extendin»f  t 
from  Schuyler's  creek  northward  nearly  to  the  house  oi*"^ 
the  hill  before  mentioned.     The  range  of  piles  ran  alona"^' 
the  ground  west  of  the  road  then  traveled,  and  east  ol  ■ 
the  canal  as,  I  am  informed,  it  now  runs. 


Burgoyne. 

ured  fifty  Indians, 
d  tories.  We  re- 
•ning  of  the  13th. 
e  which  had  been 
jrii  to  our  position 
,,ks.  Here  we  re- 
when  we  received 
ad  quarters   on  the 


Appendix, 


379 


^S-^ 


&>•£■ 


Just  below  the  island  we  passed  the  river,  and  came 
to  Gen.  Gates's  marquee,  situated   on  a  level   piece  of 
ground,  from  130  to  150  rods  south  of  Schuyler's  creek. 
A  little  south  and  west  of  this  there  is  a  rising  ground, 
on  which  our  army  was  posted,  in  order  to  appear  to  the 
best  advantage.     A  part  of  it  was  also  advantageously 
drawn  upon  the  east  side  of  the  river.     About  noon  on 
the  17th,  Gen.  Burgoyne,  with  a  number  of  his  officers, 
rode  up   near  to  :he  marquee,    in   front  of  which  Gen. 
Gates  was   sitting,  attended   with  many  of  his  officers. 
The  sides  of  the  marquee  were  rolled  up,  so  that  all  that 
was   transacted  might    be   seen.     Gen.    Burgoyne   dis- 
1 1  mounted   and   approached  Gen.    Gates,  who   rose  and 
stepped  forward  to  meet  him.     Gen.  Burgoyne  then  de- 
livered up  his  sword  to  Gen.  Gates,  who  received  it  in  his 
eft  hand,  at  the  same  time  extending  his  right  hand  to 
italce  the  right  hand  of  Gen.  Burgoyne. 

After  a  few  minutes  conversation.  Gen.  Gates  returned 
he  sword  to  Gen.  Burgoyne,  who  received  it  in  the  most 
^raceful  and  gentlemanly  manner.  The  rest  of  Bur- 
oyne's  officers  then  delivered  up  their  swords,  and  had 
hem  restored  to  them  likewise.  They  then  all  repaired 
o  the  table  and  were  seated  ;  and  while  dining,  the 
risoners  were  passing  by.^ 


le    British  army  pnmM    «  Our  favorite   Yankee  Doodle  was  also  here  first  adopted  as  the  hymn 
f    arms    eXtendinM^  fi'^'-'dom.      Although  some  four  verses  of  it  were  composed   by  a  British 
r  1       u    ..^„  .xArgeon  about  twenty  years  earlier  at  East  Albany  to  ridicule  the  Connecticut 

parlv  to  the  house  ^m  °  ■'  ■'  ■' 

I  *         _  ,       ■rigade  which  then  appeared  under  Col.  Thomas  Fitch,  we  do  not  find  that 

[nge  01  pil   -     '  S  \y^g  g^.gf   adopted    by  our  side  earli.r    chan   October,  1777.     After  the 

traveled,  and    east  <^'«ritish  army  had  stacked  their  arms  in  Fort  Hardy,  October  17,  they  crossed 

runs. 


380      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

After  they  had  all  passed  by,  a  number  of  us  went  in 
search  of  a  gun  which  was  upon  a  carriage  the  day  pre- 
vious to  the  17th,  near  what  was  called  the  Hessian 
burying  ground.  But  the  tracks  of  the  carriage  w  ,re 
so  confused,  and  the  stench  from  the  dead  bodies  was  so 
offensive,  that  the  search  was  discontinued. 

Thus  I  have  replied  to  your  inquiries,  as  far  as  my 
recollection  extends.  I  should  be  very  happy  to  meet 
you,  and  spend  a  day  or  two  in  walking  over  the  battle 
ground,  and  entering  into  other  particulars  concerning 
that  engagement,  which  however,  are  of  minor  import- 
ance. 

With  much  esteem, 

I  am,  dear  sir,  yours, 

E.  Mattoon.^ 


e. 

al 

IK 
W 


fo 


Fish  creek  an"d  passed  south  through  the  long  lines  of  the  American  army. 
As  our  victorious  host  did  not  feel  like  insulting  a  fallen  foe  it  was  suggested 
that  a  lively  tune  be  played  for  their  consolation,  and  by  common  consent, 
the  melodious   Yankee    Doodle    vj\xs  given   by  the   whole  American  lines 
while  the  rank  and  file  of  the  British  were  passing  between  them.      UnlessH 
some  other  locality  shall  prove  an  older  title,  you  can  justly  claim  that  ourW'C 
famous   Yankee  Doodle   was    first  sung  in  this  valley,  as  the  national  tunt 
of  free  America.     The  4th  Connecticut  regiment  did  gallant  service  in  the 
Revolutionary   war  at  White   Plains,  Trenton  and  Saratoga,  and   Andrew 
Fitch,  a  son  of  Col.  Thomas  Fitch,  was  a  lieut.   col.  in  that  regiment  and 
probably  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  that  tune  under  different  circumstances 
from  those  under  which  his  father  heard  it  in  derision  twenty  years  earlier 

^  Ebenezer  Mattoon  was  born  at  Amherai:,  Mass.,  Aug.  19,  I7';5,  an 
died  there  Sept.  17,  1843.  The  son  of  a  farmer,  he  graduated  at  Dart 
mouth  College  in  1776,  and  then  joined  the  artillery  company  at  the  battl 
of  Saratoga,  and  Itrf't  the  service  with  the  rank  of  major.  He  was  a  dele 
gate  from  Amherst  to  the  conventions;  and  was  several  times  a  membe 
of  the  legislature.     From   1797  to  1816  major  general  4th  division  j  ad 


hldl 
bf 


)b 


itj 


K'll 


fruk 


Appenrfix, 


381 


Letter   from   the    Due   de    la    Rochefoucauld- 

LlANCOURT,  WHO  VISITED  THE  SURRENDER  GrOUND 
IN   1795. 

"In  1795,  the  then  Due  de  La  Rochefoucauld- 
Liancourt  visited  the  famous  battle  fields  01  Saratoga,  and 
in  his  published  account  of  his  travels  in  the  new  world 
upon  his  return  gives  a  graphic  account  of  the  scenes  of 
Burgoyne's  surrender. 

"  I  have  seen,"  says  the  Due,  "John  Schuyler,  the 
eldest  son  of  the  general.  P^or  a  few  minutes  I  had 
already  conversed  with  him  at  Schenectady,  and  was 
now  with  him  at  Saratoga.  The  jouiney  to  this  place 
was  extremely  painful,  on  account  of  the  scorching  heat ; 
I  but  Saratoga  is  a  township  of  too  great  importance  to  be 
passed  by  unobserved.  If  you  love  the  English,  are 
fond  of  conversing  with  them,  and  li\e  with  them  on 
terms  of  familiarity  and  friendship,  it  is  no  bad  thing  if 
loccasionally  you  can  say  to  them,  '  I  have  seen  Saratoga. ' 

"  Yes,  I  have    seen  this  truly  tnemorable  place,  which 

biay  be  considered  as  the  spot  where  the  independence 

pf  America   was  sealed  ;   for  the  events   which  induced 

areat   Britain  to   acknowledge   that    independence  were 

)bviously  consequences  of  the  capture  of  General  Bur- 


itant  general  of  the  state  1816;  state  senator  1795-6;  20  years  sheriff 
Y  Hampshhej  M.  C.  1801-3  j  and  in  l8::o,  althouL,h  blind,  was  a 
icmher  ot"  tlie  state  constitutional  convention.  He  commanded  the  A.  & 
1.  artillery  company  in  1817.  Gen.  Mattoon  was  a  scientific  Farmer. — 
^ruke^s  Biographical  Dictionary. 

33 


382      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

goyne,  '_^nd  would,  in  all  probability,  never  have  happened 
without    it.      The    dwelling-house    of    John    Schuyler 
stands  exactly   on  the  spot    where    this  important  oc- 
currence took  place. ^     P'ish  creek,  which  flows  close  to 
the  house,  formed  the  line  of  defence  of  the  camp  of  the 
English   general,  which  was  formed   on  an  eminence  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  dwelling.     The  Fnglish  camp 
was  also  entirely  surrounded  with  a  mound  o^  earth  to 
strengthen   its   defence.     In  the  rear   of  the   camp  the 
German  troops  were  posted  by  divisions  on  a  command- 
ing height  communicating  with  the   eminence  on  which^ 
General  Burgoyne  was  encamped.     The  right  wing  oil 
the  German  corps  had  a  communication  with  the  left] 
wing  of  the  English,  and  the  left  extended  towards  thi 
river.     General  Gates  was  encamped  on  the  other  side 
of  the  creek  at  the  distance  of  an  eighth  of  a  mile  fromj 
General  Burgoyne,  his  right  wing  stretched  towards  thel 
plain  ;  but  he  endeavored  to  shelter  his  troops  as  mucl 
as  possible   from   the  enemy's   fire    until    he  resolved  t( 
form  the  attack.     General   Nelson,  at  the  head  of  the 
American  militia,  occupied  the  heights  on  the  other  sidj 
of  the  river,  and  engaged  the  attention  of  the  left  wiiiJ 
of  the  English  while  other  American  troops  observed  thj 
movements   of  the  right  wing.     In  this   position   Geii 
Burgoyne  surrendered    his  army.      His  provisions  weil 
nearly  consumed,  but  he  was  amply  supplied  with  artillerj 
and  ammunition.     The  spot  remains  exactly  as  it  thel 
was,   excepting   the  sole   circumstance   that  the  bushd 


^  This  is  of  cou«-se,  an  error. —  Author, 


Burgoyne. 


Appendix, 


3^ 


ver  have  happened 
f    John    Schuyler 
:his  important  oc- 
hich  flows  close  to 
of  the  camp  of  the 
on  an  eminence  a 
The  Fnglish  camp  j 
mounJ  of  earth  to 
,r   of  the   camp  the 
ons  on  a  command- 
eminence  on  which 
The  right  wing  of 
cation  with  the  left 
xtended  towards  the 
ed  on  the  other  sidd 
eighth  of  a  mile  from 
tretched  towards  the 
his  troops  as  muc 
until    he  resolved  t 
n,  at  the  head  of  th 
ghts  on  the  other  sid 
ntion  of  the  left  win 
an  troops  observed  thi 
In  this   position   Geiil 
His  provisions  wei 
^supplied  with  artilleii 

ains  exactly  as  it  thej 
tance   that  the  bush' 


which   were   cut  down   in   front    of  the  two   armies  are 
since  grown  up  again.      Not  the  least  alteration  has  taken 
place  since  that  time.      The  entrenchments   still  exist  ; 
nay,  the   footpath  is  still  seen  on  which   the  adjutant  of 
Gen.  Gates  proceeded   to  the   English  general  with  the 
ultimatum  of  the   American  commander  •,   the  spot   on 
which  the  council  of  war  was  held  by  the  Eno-lish  officers, 
remains    unaltered.      You    see   the    way   bv    which    the 
English  column,  after  it  had  been  joined  by  the  Germans, 
filed  off  by  the  left  to    lay   down   their  arms  within  an 
ancient  fort  which  was  constructed  in  the  war  under  the 
reign  of  Queen  Anne  ;   you  see  the  place  where  the  un- 
fortunate  army    was   necessitated    to   ford    the    creek  in 
order  to  reach  the  road  to   Albany,  and  to  march  along 
the  front    of  the   American   army.      You   see   the   spot 
where  Gen.  Burgoyne  surrendered  up  his  sword  to  Gen. 
[Gates ;  when  the   man,   who   two  months   before   had 
hreatened  all  the   rebels,  their  parents,  their  wives  and 
heir  children  with   pillage,  sacking,  firing  and  scalping, 
f  they  did  not  join  the   English  banner,  was  compelled 
:o  bend  British  pride  under  the  yoke  of  these  rebels,  and 
hen  he  underwent  the  two  fold  humiliation  as  a  minis- 
erial  agent  of  the  English  government  to  submit  to  the 
ictates  of  revolted  subjects  and  a  commanding  general 
f  disciplined  regular  troops,  to  surrender  up  his  army  to 
multitude  of  half-armed  and  half-clothed  peasants.     To 
stain  so  severe  a  misfortune  and  not  to  die  with  despair 
ceeds   not,  it   seems  therefore,  the  strength  of  man. 
his  memorable  spot  lies  in  a  corner  of  the  court  yard 
John    Schuyler  \  he   was  then  a  youth   twelve  years 


384      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


old,  and  placed  on  an  eminence  at  the  foot  of  which 
stood  Gen.  Gates,  and  near  which  the  American  army 
was  drawn  up  to  see  their  disarmed  enemies  pass  by. 
His  estate  includes  all  the  tract  of  ground  on  which  both 
armies  were  encamped  and  he  knows  as  it  were  their 
every  step.  How  happy  must  an  American  feel  in  the 
possession  of  such  property  if  his  bosom  be  anywise 
susceptible  of  warm  feelings  !  It  is  a  matter  of  astonish- 
ment that  neither  congress  nor  the  legislature  of  New 
York  should  have  erected  a  monument  on  this  spot  re- 


pi 


citinp;  in  plain  terms 


this  gl 


onous  event  an 


d  th 


us  callino: 


it  to  the  recollection  of  all  men  who  should  pass  this 
way  to  kep  alive  the  sentiments  of  intrepidity  and 
courage  and  the  sense  of  glory  which  for  the  benefit  of 
America  should  be  handed  down  amono-  Americans  from 


g 


eneration  to  generation 


No.   XIV. 

Professor  Silliman's  Visit  to  the  Battle 

Ground  in   1820. 

The  following  account  of  the  visit  of  Professor  Silli- 
man  to  the  battle  ground  —  although  he  was  not  a  par- 
ticipant in  the  battle — has  value,  from  the  fact  that  his| 
relation  is  derived  mainly  from  his  guide,  Major  Bucl, 
who  was  in  the  conflict.  In  the  course  of  his  narra- 
tive—  to  avoid  repetition  —  wherever  he  has  quotei 
from  Wilkinson  or  Mrs.  Reidesel,  passages  which  arc 
familiar  to  the  readers  of  the  text,  I  have  placed  stars] 
—  W.  L.  S. 


Surgoyne. 

,e  foot   of  which 
;   American  army 

enemies  pass  by. 
ind  on  which  both 
IS  as  it  were  their 
rierican  feel  in  the 
losom  be    anywise 
matter  of  astonish- 
legislature  of  New  1 
;nt  on  this  spot  re- 
nt and  thus  calling 
o   should   pass   this 

of   intrepidity   and 
h  for  the  benefit  of| 
mtr  Americans  from 


Appendix. 


:^^s 


o  THE  Battle 

o. 

t  of  Professor  Silli 

h  he  was  not  a  par 

om  the  fact  that  his] 

guide,   Major   Bucl 

course  of  his  narra 

ver    he    has    quote 

,  passages  which  ar 

,  I  have  placed  stars 


House  in  which  Gen.  Fraser  Died. 

Jen    o''clock    at    niirht. 

We  are  now  on  memorable  ground.  Here  much  pre- 
cious blood  was  shed,  and  now,  in  the  silence  and  solitude 
of  a  very  dark  and  rainy  night — the  family  asleep,  and 
nothing  heard  but  the  rain  and  the  Hudson,  gently 
murmuring  along,  I  am  writing  in  the  very  house,  and 
my  table  stands,  on  the  very  spot  in  the  room,  where 
General  Fraser  breathed  his  last,  on  the  8th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1777. 

He  was  mortally  wounded  in  the  last  of  the  two 
desperate  battles  fought  on  the  neighboring  heights,  and 
in  the  midst  of  ti  e  conflict,  was  brought  to  this  house 
by  the  soldiers.  Before  me  lies  one  of  the  bullets,  shot 
on  that  (occasion  ;  they  are  often  found,  in  ploughing 
the  battle  field. 

Blood  is  asserted,  by  the  people  of  the  house,  to  have 
jbeen  visible  here,  on  the  floor,  till  a  very  recent   period. 

General  Fraser  was  high  in  command,  in  the  British 
I  army,  and  was  almost  idolized  by  them  ;  they  had  the 
utmost  confidence  in  his  skill  and  valor,  and  that  the 
Americans  entertained  a  similar  opinion  of  him,  is  suffi- 
Iciently  evinced  by  the  following  anecdote,  related  to  me 
It  Ballston  Springs,  in  1797,  by  the  Hon.  Richard 
•rent,  then  a  member  of  congress,  from  Virginia,  who 
llerived  the  fact  from  General  Morgan's  own  mouth. 

In  the  battle  of  October  the  seventh,  the  last  pitched 

)attle,  that  was  fought  between  the  two  armies.  General 

raser,  mounted  on  an  iron  gray  horse,  was  very  con- 


386      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

spicuous.  He  was  all  activity,  courage,  and  vigilance, 
riding  from  one  part  of  his  division  to  another,  and  ani- 
mating the  troops  by  his  example.  Wherever  he  was 
present,  every  thing  prospered,  and,  when  confusion 
appeared  in  any  part  of  the  line,  order  and  energy  were 
restored  by  his  arrival. 

Colonel  Morgan,  with  his  Virginia  riflemen,  was  im- 
mediately opposed  to  Fraser's  division  of  the  army. 

It  had  been  conce-'-'^d,  before  the  commenceinent  of| 
the  battle,  that  while  the  New  Hampshire  and  the  New 
York  troops  attacked  the  British   left,  Colonel  Morgan, 
with  his  regiment  of  Virginia  riflemen,   should   make  aj 
circuit  so  as  to  come  upon  the  Biitish   rio;ht,  and  attack; 

ft  O  '  \ 

them    there.      In    this    attempt,    he   was    favored   by    a 
woody  hill,  to  the  foot   of  which   the    British    right   ex- 
tended.     When   the  attack   commenced   on  the  British, 
left,  "  true  to  his  pu.rpose,    Morgan  at  this  critical   mo-| 
ment,  poured  down  like  a  torrent  from  the  hill,  and   at-| 
tacked  the  right  of  the  enemy  in  front  and  flank."    The! 
right  wing  soon  made  a  movement  to  support  the  leftj 
which  was  assailed   with   increased   violence,  and  whikl 
executing  this  rriovement,  General  Fraser  received  hij 
mortal  wound. 

In  the  midst  of  this  sanguinary  battle,  Colonel  Moij 
gan  took  a  few  of  his  best  riflemen  aside  ;  men  in  whosa 
fidelity,  and  fatal  precision  ot  aim,  he  could  repose  thj 
most  perfect  confidence,  and  said  to  them  :  "  That  galB^ 
lant  officer  is  General  Fraser  ;  I  admire  and  respeM^-^ 
him,  but  it  is  necessary  that  he  should  die  —  take  your  stM„. 
tions  in  that  wood  and  do  your  duty."  Within  a  feBj^ 
moments  General  Phraser  fell,  mortally  wounded. 


a  I 

s 


3urgoyne, 

.e,  and  vigilance, 

another,  and  ani- 

^Vherever  he  was 

when   confusion 

and  energy  were 

riflemen,  was  im- 

1  of  the  army, 
commenceinent  of 

ishire  and  the  New 
t,  Colonel  Morgan, 
,en,  should   make  a| 
,h  rio-ht,  and  attackl 
was   favored  by    a| 
le    British   right   ex- 
nccd  on  the  British| 
at  this  critical  mo- 
om  the  hill,  and   at- 
,nt  and  flank."    The! 
to  support  the  left 
violence,  and  whiUi 
Fraser  received  h\\ 

)attle,  Colonel  Mori 
aside  •,  men  in  whosJ 
he  could  repose  thi 
o  them  :  "  That  gal| 
admire   and    respec 

^^/V  — take  your  st3 
uty."  Within  a  fej 
tally  wounded. 


Appendix, 


387 


How  far,  such  personal  designation  is  justiHahle,  has 
often  been  questioned,  but  those  who  vindicate  war  at 
all,  contend,  that  to  shoot  a  distinguished  officer,  and 
thus  to  accelerate  the  conclusion  of  a  bloody  battle, 
operates  to  save  lives,  and  that  it  is,  morally^  no  worse, 
to  kill  an  illustrious,  than  an  obscure  individual  ;  a 
Fraser,  than  a  common  soldier  ;  a  Nelson,  than  a  com- 
mon sailor.  But,  there  is  something  very  revolting  to 
humane  feelings,  in  a  mode  of  warfare,  which  converts 
its  ordinary  chances  into  a  species  of  military  execution. 
Such  instances,  were,  however,  frequent,  during  the 
campaign  of  General  Burgovne  ;  ami  his  aid-de-camp. 
Sir  Francis  Clark,  and  many  other  British  officers, 
were  victims  of  American  marksmanship. 


* 


* 


Retiring  at  a  late  hour  to  my  bed,  it  will  be  easily 
perceived,  that  the  tender  and  heroic  ideas,  associated 
with  this  memorable  house,  would  strongly  possess  my 
mind.  The  niij-ht  was  mantled  in  black  clouds,  and 
impenetrable  darknt-^ss  ;  the  rain,  increasing,  descended 
in  torents,  upon  the  roof  of  this  humble  mansion  ;  the 
water,  urged  from  the  heights,  poured  with  loud  and 
incessant  rumbling,  through  a  neighboring  aqueduct ; 
and  the  Hudson,  as  if  con.scious  that  blood  had  once 
stained  its  waters,  and  its  lumks,  rolled  along  with  sul- 
ilen  murmurs  ;  the  c'istmguished  persons,  who  fortv- 
[ivvo  yeai..  nee,  occupied  this  tenement  — the  agonized 
Ifemales  —  tlie  terrified,  imploring  children — and  the 
gallant  chiefs,  in  all  the  grandeur  of  heroic  suffering  and 
[death,  were  vividly  present  to  my  mind  —  all  the  reali- 


3 88      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

ties  of  the  night,  and  the  sublime  and  tender  images  of 
the  past,  conspired  to  give  my  faculties  too  much  ac- 
tivity Tor  sleep,  and  1  will  not  deny  that  the  dawning 
light  was  grateful  to  my  eyes  ! 

The  Battle  Ground. 

The  rain  having  ceased,  I  was  on  horseback  at   early 
dawn  with  a  veteran  guide  to   conduct  me  to  the  battle 
ground.      Although    he   was    seventy-five   years  old,  he 
did  nc  t  detain  me  a  moment  ;   in  consequence  of  an  ap- 
pointment  the  evening  before,   he   was  waiting   my  ar- 
rival at  his  house,  a  mile  below  our  inn,  and,  declining 
any  aid,  he  mounted  a  tall  horse  from  the  ground.     His 
name  was  Ezra   Buel,^  a   native  of  Lebanon,  in   Con- 
necticut, which  place   he  left  in   his  youth,  and  was  set-| 
tied  here,  at  the  time  of  General   Burgoyne's  invasion. jlj 
He  acted,  through   the  whole  time,  as   a   guide  to  the 
American  army,  and  was  one  of  three  who  were  con 
stantly  employed  in  that  service.      His  duty  led  him  toi 
be  always  foremost,  and  in  the  post  of  danger  ;  and  heBi 
was,  therefore,  admirably  qualified  for  my  purpose. 

The    two    great    battles   which    decided   the   fate   o 
Burgoyne's  army,  were  fought,  the  first  on  the   19th  o 


OJ 

It 

0 


"^  Called  colloquially,  in  the  neighborhood,  Major  Buel,  a  rank  whicMuJ 
he  never  had  in  the  army,  but  which  was  facetiously  assigned  him,  whiMjjj 
in  the  service,  by  his  brother  guides.  He  is  much  respected  as  a  worth*  el 
man  —  1820,  BeJ 

Major  Buel,  I  believe,  still  lives.      I    saw    him   at    Ballston   Springs,   ij 
July,    1823,   still    active   and    useful,   although  almost   fourscore;  he   wa 
then  acting  as  crier  of  a  state  court  at  that  time  in  session  at  Ballston. -Jaj 
March,   1824. 


;endcr  images  of 
ics  too  much  ac- 
hat the  dawning 


Appendix. 


389 


D. 


early 


orseback  at 
t  me  to  the  battle 
.ftve  years  old,  he 
sequence  of  an  ap- 
,as  waning  my  '^r- 
Inn,  and,  declining 
nthe  gi-ound.     H^s 
Lebanon,  m  ^^^^'l 


September,  and  the  last,  on  the  7th  of  October,  on 
Bemis's  heights,  and  very  nearly  on  the  same  ground, 
which  is  about  two  miles  west  of  the  river. 

The  river,  is  in  this  region,  bordered  for  many  miles, 
bv  a  continued  meadow,  of  no  great  breadth  ;  upon 
this  meadow,  there  was  then,  as  there  is  now,  a  good 
road,  close  to  the  river,  and  parallel  to  it.  Upon  this 
road,  marched  the  heavv  artillery  and  baggage,  con- 
stituting the  left  wing  of  the  British  army,  while  the 
elite,  foriTiing  the  right  wing,  and  composed  of  light 
troops,  was  kept  constantly  in  advance,  on  the  heights 
which  bound  the  meadows. 

The  American  army  was  south  and  west  of  the 
British,  its  right  wing  on  the  river,   and   its   left  resting 


vouth    and  was  set-B^,^  j-^g  heights.     We  passed  over  a  part  of  their  camp  a 
)    .,r^vne's  Invasion. Biittle  below  Stillwater.' 

as  a   i^ulde  to  tneB     ^  great  part  of  the  battle  ground   was  occupied   by 
who  were  con-«()f^y  forest  trees,  principally  pine,  with  here  and  there, 
T-TU  duty  led  him  toj  i^^^  cleared  fields,  of  which  the  most  conspicuous  in 
of  danger  \  ana  "^Rhese   sanguinary   scenes,   was    called    Freeman's   farm, 
'or  my  purpose.         J^d  ;§  §0  called  in  General   Burgoyne's   plans.     Such  is 
decided   the   fee   o 
first  on  the   19'h  « 


Ma] 


'  In  May,  1821,  I  again  visited  these  battle  grounds,    and   availed    my- 
If  of  that  opportunity,  in   company    with    my    faithful   old   guide,   Major 
I         .-TnU:    vvhicBuel,  to  explore  the  camp  of  General   Gates.      It    is   situated    about    three 

HuCt       a     lal**^  ■ 

^'"  .        ,    1 -.rn     whil#iles  below  Smith's  tavern,  (the   house  where   General    Fraser   died),  and 


cetiously   assigne 
much  respected  as  a 


worthj  easily  approached  by  a  cross  road,  which  turns  up  the  heights  from   the 

[eat  river  road.      It  is  not  more   than    half  a    mile    from    the   river  to  the 

c   ..;r.<TC     iBmp.     I  found  it  an  interestintr  place,  and  would  recommend  it  to  travel- 
at   BaUston   SprmgSj   m    f  &  t-        > 

hii^  .   he   w»  to  visit  this  spot,  as  they  will  thus   obtain   a  perfectly  clear  idea  of  the 

gh  almos     ^  gallston.-^ative  position  of  the  hostile   armies,   and    of  the    route   pursued    by    the 

^"^^  *nericans  when  they  marched  out  to  battle.     The  outlines  of  the  camp 


J  90      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

nearly  the  present  situiition  of  these  heights,  only  there 
is  more  cleared  land  ;  the  ^/^^a///V  trees  have  been  piin- 
cipally  felled,  hut  a  considerable  luimber  remain  as  wit- 
nesses to  posterity  ;  they  still  show  the  wounds,  made 
in  their  trunks  and  branches,  by  the  missiles  of  contend- 
ing armies  ;  their  roots  still  penetrate  the  soil,  that  was 
made    fruitful    by    the   blood    of   the    brave,   and    their 


are  still  distinctly  visible,  bping  markc-I  hy  llu-  Www-,  oi"  ilcfrni-p,  which 
Will-  thiowii  up  on  tin;  c)ccai,K)ii,  and  wnn.h,  uliiu)Uj;ii  dfpi cased  by  tiiiic, 
will  long  be  conspicuous,  if  they  are  not  levelled  by  the  plouL'h.  My 
guide  pointed  out  the  ground  occupied  by  the  different  corps  of  the  anny. 
Col.  Morgan,  with  the  Virginia  riflemen,  was  in  advance,  on  the  right, 
that  is,  nearest  the  river  j  the  ad'vaiicc^  was  the  post  always  coveted  by  this 
Incomparable  corps,  and  surely  none  could  claim  it  with  more  propriety. 
There  was  much  danger  that  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  storm  the 
camp  of  the  Americans,  and  had  they  been  successful  in  either  of  the 
great  battles  (Sept.  19,  and  Oct.  7),  they  would,  without  doubt,  have  at- 
tacked the  camp. 

The  most  interesting  object  that  I  saw  in  this  camp,  was  the  house 
which  was  Gen.  Gates's  head  quarters.  I  am  afraid  that  the  traveler  may 
not  long  find  this  memorable  house,  for  it  was  much  dilapidated  —  a  part 
of  the  roof  had  fallen  in,  and  llic  winds  whistled  through  the  naked 
timbers.  One  room  was,  however,  tenantable,  and  was  occupied  by  a 
cooper  and  his  family.  From  the  style  of  the  pannel  work  and  finishing 
of  this  room,  the  house  appears  to  have  been,  in  its  day,  one  of  the  better 
sort  —  the  pannels  were  large  and  handsome,  and  the  door  was  still  orna- 
mented with  brass  handles.  Here  Sir  Francis  Clark,  aid-de-camp  to  Gen. 
Burgoyne,  being  mortally  wounded  and  taken  prisoner,  languished  and 
died.  Gen.  Wilkinson  has  recorded  some  interesting  passages  of  his  last 
moments,  particularly  his  animated  discussions  with  Gen.  Gates  on  the 
merits  of  the  contest.  The  recollection  of  the  fate  of  this  brave  but  un- 
fortunate officer  will  always  be  associated  with  this  building,  while  a  single 
timber  of  it  remains. 


urgoyne. 

ghts,  only  there 
have  been  piin- 
r  remain  as  wit- 
c  woinuls,  made 
>siU'S  oF  contend- 
hc  soil,  that  was 
jravc,   and    their    ^ 


,,'s    ,)!"  (li'li-nre,    which     | 
gh    dcprcBbCd    by    t':Mif, 
d  by  the  pluuL'h.      My 
nt  corps   of  the   army, 
idvance,   on  the    right, 
t  always  coveted  by  this 
with    more   propriety, 
attempt   to  storm    the 
ssful   in   either   of  the 
ithout  doubt,  have  at- 

camp,  was  the  house 
that  the  traveler  may 
dilapidated  —  a  part 
through  the    naked 
nd   was    occupied    by  a 
:1  work  and  finishing 
lay,  one  of  the  better 
le  door  was  still  orna- 
,  aid-de-camp  to  Gen. 
isoner,   languished  and 
ing  passages  of  his  last 
Gen.    Gates   on   the 
of  this  brave  but  un- 
milding,  while  a  single 


Appendix. 


39^ 


sombre   foliage   still   murmurs  with   the  breeze,  which 
once  sighed,  as  it  bore  the  departing  spirit  along.' 

My  veteran  guide,  warmed  by  my  curiosity,  and  re- 
calling the  feelings  of  his  prime,  led  me,  with  amazing 
rapidity,  and  promptitude,  o\er  fences  and  ditches  — 
through  water  and  mire  —  through  ravines  and  defiles 
—  through  thick  Yorests,  and  open  fields — and  up  and 
down  very  steep  hills  ;  in  short,  through  many  places, 
where,  alone,  I  would  not  have  ventured  ;  but,  it 
would  have  been  shameful  for  me  not  to  follow  where 
a  man  of  seventy-five  would  lead,  and  to  hesitate  to  ex- 
plore in  peace,  the  ground,  which  the  defenders  of  their 
country,  and  their  foes,  once  trod  in  steps  of  blood. 

On  our  way  to  Freeman's  farm,  we  traced  the  line 
of  the  British  encampment,  still  marked  by  a  breast 
work  of  logs,  now  rotten,  but  retaining  their  forms  ; 
they  were,  at  the  time,  covered  with  earth,  and  the  bar- 


My  guide  conducted  me  from  the  American  camp  along  the  summit  of 
the  lieights,  by  the  same  route,  which  was  pursued  by  our  gallant  coun- 
trymen, when  they  advanced  to  meet  their  formidable  foe,  and  I  had  tiie 
satisfaction  of  treading  the  same  ground  which  they  trod,  in  the  silence 
and  solemnity  of  impending  conflict. 

In  pursuing  this  route,  the  traveler,  if  accompanied  by  an  intelligent 
guide,  will  have  a  very  interesting  opportunity  of  marking  the  exact  }>laces 
where  the  advanced  puards  and  front  lines  of  the  contending  armies  met. 
In  tiiis  manner  we  advanced  quite  to  Freeman's  farm,  the  great  scene  of 
slaughter,  and  thence  descended  again  to  the  centre  cf  the  Britisli  en- 
campment on  the  plains. 

'  There  is  a  barn  now  standing  near  Freeman's  farm,  one  of  the  b^ams 
of  which  contains  a  six-pound  ball.  It  was  imbedded  in  the  tree  out  of 
which  the  timber  was  cut  j  and  the  builder  considerately  left  the  ball  in  as 
d  memento. —  /^.  L.  S. 


J 


h 


392      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

rier  between  contending  armies,  is  now  a  fence,  to 
mark  the  peaceful  divisions  of  agriculture.  This  breast 
work,  I  suppose  to  be  a  part  of  the  line  of  encampment, 
occupied  by  General  Burgoyne,  after  the  battle  of  the 
19th  of  September,  and  which  was  stormed  on  the 
evening  of  the  7th  of  October. 

The  old  man  showed  me   the  exact   spot,   where   an 
accidental    skirmish,   between  advanced  parties  of  the 
two   armies,  soon   brought    on    the   general  and  bloody  | 
battle  of  September  19. 

This  was  on  Freeman's  farm,  a  field  which  was  then  | 
cleared,  although  surrounded  by  forest.  The  Britishll 
picket  here  occupied  a  small  house,^  when  a  part  of: 
Col.  Morgan's  corps  fell  in  with,  and  immediately  drove?" ' 
them  from  it,  leaving  the  house  almost  "  encircled  with 
their  dead."  The  pursuing  party,  immediately,  an 
very  unexpectedly,  tell  in  with  the  British  line,  an 
were  in  part  captured,  and  the  rest  dispersed. 

This   incident   occurred  at   half-past  twelve  o'clock  ; 
there  was  an  intermission  till  one,  when   the  action  wa 
sharply    renewed  ;   but    it   did    not    become  general,  til 
three,  from  which  time  it  raged  with  unabated  fury,  ti 
night. 

't*  '1*  V  T* 

General  Burgoyne  states  that  there  was  scarcely  evcl^ 
an  interval  of  a  minute  in  the  smoke,  when  some  BritisBi 


*  Major  Forbes,  of  the  British  army,  states,   that  the    American    plckj 
occupied  the  house;   both  tacts  might  have   been   true   at  different   peri^ 
ot  the  atiair, 

*  An  evident  error,  see  text. —  IF,  L.  6. 


i 


Burgoyne, 

now  a   fence,  to 
ure.     This  breast 
le  of  encampment, 
:  the  battle  of  the 
as  stormed  on  the 


Appendix. 


393 


officer  was  not  shot  by  the  American  riflemen,  posted 

in  the  trees,  in  the  rear  and  on  the  flank  of  their  own 

line.     A  shot  which  was  meant  for  General   Burgoyne, 

everely  wounded   Captain   Green,  an    aid-de-camp  of 

jeneral  Phillips  :  the  mistake  was  owing  to  the    cap- 

ain's  having  a  richly  laced  furniture  to  his  saddle,  which 

1  0,-1  waused  the  marksman  to  mistake  him  for  the  eeneral. 

t-     where   an  wt  & 

ct   spo  ,  B    ^^^Y\  was  the  ardor  of  the  Americans,  that,  as  Gene- 

iced  pa  ,  ,      J    Sal  Wilkinson  states,  the  wounded  men,  after   having 

creneral  and  bloody  ■  ,     1  1    •  ,         • 

genciax  Uheu'  wounds  dressed,  m  many  mstances,  returned  agam 

to  the  battle. 

The  batcle  of  the  seventh  of  October  was  fought  on 
e  same  ground,  but  was  not  so  stationary  ;  it  com- 
enced  farther  to  the  right,  and  extended,  in  its  various 
riods,  over  more  surface,  eventually  occupying  not 
ly  Freeman's  farm,  but  it  was  urged  by  the  Ameri- 
ns,  to  the  very  camp  of  the  enemy,  which,  towards 
ght,  was  most  impetuously  stormed,  and  in  [-art  car- 


leld  which  was  then 

The   British 
orest.      i  nc   A^ 

ise,^  when  a  part  off 


ad  immediately  drove 

,ost  ''  encircled  withi 
y,   immediately,   an 
;he   British  line,   an 
dispersed, 
•past 


twelve  o'clock  ,] 


?a. 


f 


The  interval  between  the  nineteenth  of  September, 
^"^ben  tiW^^  ^^^  seventh  of  October,  was  one  of  great  anxiety  to 

becon      ^  .;i»th  armies  ;  "  not  a  nip;ht  passed,"  says  General  Bur- 

Ith  unabated  tury,  tiW  '  b      p         •.        y 

'^"  ^yne,      without  nnng,  and  sometmies  concerted  attacks 

[on   our    pickets ;    no  foraging   party   could  be   made 

Ithout  great  detachments  to  cover  it ;  it  was  the  plan 

the  enemy  to  harass  the  army,  by  constant  alarms, 

their   superiority   of  numbers  enabled   them  to  at- 

ipt    it,    without    fatigue    to    themselves.      By    being 

)ituated  to  fire,  our  soldiers  became  indifferent  to  it, 

were  capable  of  eating  or  sleeping  when  it  was  very 

34 


here  was  scarcely  evc| 
,ke,  when  some  Briti. 

,s,  that  the    American    pkl 
,ecn  true  at  dirtevent  per. 


394      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

near  them  ;  but  I  do  not  believe  either  officer  or  soldier 
ever  slept  during  that  interval,  without  his  clothes,  or 
that  any  general  officer,  or  commander  of  a  regiment,  i 
passed  a  single  night,  without  being  upon  his  legs,  occa- 
sionally, at  different  hours,  and  constantly,  an  hour  be- 
fore day  light." 

The  battle  of  the  seventh  was  brought  on  by  a  move- 
ment of  General  Burgoyne,  who  caused  one  thousand 
five  hundred  men,  with  ten  pieces  of  artillery,  to  march 
towards  the  left  of  the  American  army  for  the  purposeil 
of  discovering  whether  it  was  possible  to  force  a  pas- 
sage; or  in  case  a  retreat  of  the  royal  army  should 
become  indispensable,  to  dislodge  the  Americans  from 
their  intrenchments,  and  also  to  cover  a  foraging  ex- 
cursion, which  had  now  become  pressingly  necessary.' 
It  was  about  the  middle  of  the  afternoon,  that  the  Brit- 
ish were  observed  advancing,  and  the  Americans,  with 
small  arms,  lost  no  time  in  attacking  the  British  grena- 
diers and  artillery,  although  under  a  tremendous  fire 
from  the  latter  ;  the  battle  soon  extended  along  the 
whole  line :  Colonel  Morgan,  at  the  same  moment, 
attacked,  with  his  riflemen,  on  the  right  wing;  Colonel 
Ackland,  the  commander  of  the  grenadiers,  fell, 
wounded  ;  the  grenadiers  were  defeated,  and  most  of 
the  artillery  taken,  after  great  slaughter. 


on 
ca 
ca 
fui 
tin 


*  Also  an  error.      "The  foraging  party,"    says  Gen.    Riedescl,  "was 
made  the  day  previous  to  the  battle  of  the  yth."     The  gathering  of  forage  | 
while  the  army  were  forming  for  battle  was  merely  an  incident.     Hence 
the  confusion  which  has  arisen  on  this  subject. —  fV.  L.  S. 


the 

(sa 
sta 
sh( 
ish 
pa' 
G( 

CO 

of 

ag( 
stu 
in^ 

tw 
po! 
cai 
we 
nu 
an 
wi 
stil 


Burgoyne, 

IV  officer  or  soldier 
out  his  clothes,  or 
der  of  a  regiment, 
pon  his  legs,  occa- 
antly,  an  hour  be- 

ght  on  by  a  move- 1 
ised  one  thousand  t 
artillery,  to  march 
y  for  the  purpose 
le  to  force  a   pas- 
'oyal  army    should 
I  Americans   from 
^er  a  foraging   ex- 
jssingly  necessary.' 
3on,  that  the  Brit- 
:  Americans,   with 
the  British  grena- 
a   tremendous  fire 
^tended   along  the 
le    same  moment, 
;ht  wing;   Colonel 
grenadiers,     fell, 
ited,   and   most  of 
^r. 


Appendix. 


395 


At  the  end  of  a  most  sanguinary  contest,  of  less  than 
one  hour,  the  discomfiture  and  retreat  of  the  British  be- 
came general,  and  they  had  scarcely  regained  their 
camp,  before  the  lines  were  stormed  with  the  greatest 
fury,  and  part  of  Lord  Balcarras's  camp,  was  for  a  short 


time  m  our  possession. 


* 


* 


5  Gen.    Riedesel,  "  \v\ 
The  gathering  of  forage 
ly  an  incident.     Hence 
PV.  L.  S. 


I  was  on  the  ground  where  the  grenadiers,  and  where 
the  artillery  were  stationed.  "Here,  upon  this  hill" 
(said  my  hoary  guide),  "  on  the  very  spot  where  we  now 
stand,  the  dead  men  lay,  thicker  than  you  ever  saw 
sheaves  on  a  fruitful  harvest  field."  "  Were  they  Brit- 
ish, or  Americans  ?"  "  Both,"  he  replied,  "but  princi- 
pally British."  I  suppose  that  it  is  of  this  ground,  that 
General  Wilkinson  reuiarks,  "it  presented  a  scene  of 
complicated  horror  and  exultation.  In  the  square  space 
of  twelve  or  fifteen  yards,  lay  eighteen  grenadiers  in  the 
agony  of  death  ;  and  three  ofKcers,  propped  up  against 
stumps  of  trees,  two  of  them  mortally  wounded,  bleed- 
ing, and  almost  speechless." 

My  guide,  proceeding  with  his  narrative,  said : 
"  There  stood  a  British  field  piece,  which  had  been 
twice  taken,  and  retaken,  and  finally  remained  in  our 
possession  :  I  was  on  the  ground,  and  said  to  an  Ameri- 
can colonel,  who  came  up  at  the  moment,  '  Colonel, 
we  have  taken  this  piece,  and  now  we  want  you  to 
nvear  it  true  to  America  ;'  so  the  colonel  swore  it  true, 
and  we  turned  it  around,  and  fired  upon  the  British, 
with  their  own  cannon,  and  with  their  own  ammunition, 
till  remaining   unconsumed   in    their   own    boxes." 


Ill  ,ll 

!■   i 
Si' 


396      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

I  was  solicitous  to  see  the  exact  spot  where  General  J  nc 


I 


as 


CO 

(b( 
an 
an  I 


use 
cer 
( 


Fraser  received  his  mortal  wound.  My  old  guide  knew;i 
it  perfectly  well,  and  pointed  it  out  to  me.  It  is  in  a|  m; 
meadow,  just  on  the  right  of  the  road,  after  passing  aH 
blacksmith's  shop,  and  going  south  a  few  rods.  Thel 
blacksmith's  shop,  is  on  a  road,  which  runs  parallel  top 
the  Hudson — it  stands  elevated,  and  overlooks  Free-f 
man's  farm. 

I  saw  various  places,  where  the  dead  were  interred  ; 
a  rivulet,  or  creek,  passes  through  the  battle  ground,: 
and  still  washes  out  from  its  banks,  the  bones  of  the; 
slain.  This  rivulet  is  often  mentioned  in  the  accounts 
of  these  battles,  and  the  deep  ravine  through  which  it 
passes  ;  on  our  return,  we  followed  this  ravine,  andf; 
rivulet,  through  the  greater  part  of  their  course,  till  thev| 
united  with  the  Hudson. 

Farm  houses  are  dispersed,  here  and  there,  over  thc'^ 
field  of  battle,  and   the   people   often  find,   even   now,j 
gun-barrels  and  bayonets,  cannon  balls,  grape  shot,  bul 
lets,  and  human  bones.      Of  the  three  last,  I  took  fronii 
one  of  these  people,  some  painful  specimens  ;  —  some  o* 
the  bullets   were  battered  and  misshaped,  evincing  that 
they  had  come  into  collision  with  opposing  obstacles. 

Entire  skeletons  are  occasionally  found  j  a  man  tol 
me,  that  in  ploughing,  during  the  late  summer,  h 
turned  one  up  ;  and  it  was  not  covered  more  than  thrc 
inches  with  earth  ;  it  lay  on  its  side,  and  the  arms  wer 
in  the  form  of  a  bow  ;  it  was,  probably,  some  solitan| 
victim,  that  never  was  buried.  Such  are  the  memo 
rials  still  existing,  of  these  great  military  events  ;  great"^ 


4 


''•^ 


Tl 


Burgoyne, 

pot  where  General  J 

Vly  old  guide  knew 

to  me.     It  is  in  a  1 

I 
ad,  after  nassmg  a  J 

a  few   rods.     The  1 

ich  runs  parallel  to  I 

d  overlooks   Free-  J 


Appendix, 


397 


ead  were  interred 
the  battle  ground. 
,  the  bones  of  the?:, 
led  in  the  accounts! 
e  through  which  it| 
;d  this  ravine,  and 
tieir  course,  till  they 

and  there,  over  the- 
in  find,  even  nowj 
lis,  grape  shot,  bul^ 
ee  last,  I  took  fronij 
^cimens  ;  —  some  oj 
haped,  evincing  tha^ 
3pocing  obstacles, 
found  ;  a  man  tol(i 
le  late  summer,  he 
:red  more  than  thrc^ 
,  and  the  arms  were 
)bably,  some  solitari| 
inch  are  the  memol 
ilitary  events  ;  greati 


not  so  much  on  account  of  the  numbers  of  the  actors, 
as  from  the  momentous  interests  at  stake,  and  from  the 
magnanimous  efforts  to  which  they  gave  origin. 

I  would  not  envy  that  man  his  state  of  feeling,  who 
could  visit  such  fields  of  battle  without  emotion,  or  who 
(being  an  American),  could  fail  to  indulge  admiration 
and  affection,  for  the  soldiers  and  martyrs  of  liberty, 
and  respect  for  the  valor  of  their  enemies. 

General  Fraser's  Grave. 

Having  taken  my  guide  home  to  brea'cfast,  we  made 
use  of  his  knowledge  of  the  country,  to  identifv  with 
certainty,  the  place  of  General  Fraser's  interment. 

General  Burgovne  mentions  two  redoubts,   that  were 


THE   ENGLISH    ENCAMPMENT    THE   DAY    AETER    THE    BATTLE  OF 
THE  7TH  FROM  THE  DRAWING  MAUE  BY  SIR   FRANCIS  CLERKE. 


39^      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


thrown  up,  on  the  hills  behind  his  hospital  ;  they  are 
both  still  very  distinct,  and  in  one  of  these,  which  is  called 
the  Great  redoubt,  by  the  officers  o^  General  Burgoyne's 
army.  General  Fraser  was  buried.  It  is  true,  it  has 
been  disputed,  which  is  the  redoubt  in  question,  but  our 
guide  stated  to  us,  that  within  his  knowledge,  a  British 
sergeant,  three  or  four  years  after  the  surrender  of 
Burgoyne's  army,  came,  and  pointed  out  the  grave. 
We  went  to  the  spot  ;  it  is  within  the  redoubt,  on  the 
top  of  the  hill,  nearest  to  the  house,  where  the  general 
died,  and  corresponds  with  the  plate  in  Anhurfs  Travels^ 
taken  from  an  original  drawing,  made  by  Sir  Francis 
Clarke,  aid-de-camp  to  General  Burgoyne,  and  with  the 
statement  of  the  genera'  in  his  defence,  as  well  as  with 
the  account  of  Madam  Reidesel. 

The  place  of  the  interment,  was  formerly  designated, 
by  a  little  fence,  surrounding  the  grave.  I  was  here  in 
1797,  twenty-two  years  ago  ;  the  grave  was  then  dis- 
tinctly visible. 

*  *  H^  H* 

On  the  present  occasion,  I  did  not  visit  ':he  British 
fortified  camp.^     When  I  was  here  in  1797,  '^  examined 


* 


*  In  May,  1821,  I  again  visited  this  fortified  camp,  and  found  it  as 
perfect  as  it  was  when  I  saw  it  nearly  twenty- three  years  before,  and  al- 
most every  particular  stated  in  the  text  was  strict  iy  applicable  to  it.  It  is 
about  a  mile  from  the  river,  and  was  certainly  chosen  with  great  good 
judgment,  and  had  the  Americm  army  attempted  to  take  it  by  storm,  it 
would  evidently  have  cost  them  very  dear.  While  at  Ballston  Spiings 
during  the  late  summer,  some  gentlemen  of  our  party  made  an  excursion 
to  this  place,  and  I  learned  from  them,  with  extreme  regret,  that  the 
plow  was  passing  over  the  fortified  camp  of  General  Burgoyne,  and  that 
its  fine  parapet  would  soon  be  levelled,  so  that  scarcely  a  trace  of  it  would 
remain. 


Burgoyne. 


Appendix, 


399 


,  I, 

lospital  ;  they  are  :, 
'se,  which  is  called  ; 
reneral  Burgoyne's  \\ 
It    is  true,  it  has 

question,  but  our  [■ 
'wledge,  a  British 
the    surrender    of  H 
d  out    the   grave. 
;  redoubt,  on  the 
vhere  the  general 

Anbury'' s  Travels^ 
!e  by  Sir  Francis 
•yne,  and  with  the 
:,  as  well  as  with 


merly  designated, 
:.  I  was  here  in 
ve  was  then  dis- 


visit  ':he    British 
1797,  1^  examined 

:amp,  and  found  it  n.^ 
:e  years  before,  and  a)- 
applicable  to  it.  It  is 
hosen  with  great  good 
:o  take  it  by  storm,  it 
!e  at  Ballston  Spiing? 
irty  made  an  excursion 
treme  regret,  that  tlu 
•al  Burgoyne,  and  that 
;ely  a  trace  of  it  would 


it  particularly.  It  was  then  in  perfect  preservation  (I 
speak  of  the  encampment  of  the  British  troops,  upon 
the  hill,  near  the  Fish  kil),  the  parapet  was  high,  and 
covered  with  grass  and  shrubs,  and  the  platforms  of 
earth,  to  support  the  field  pieces,  were  still  in  good  con- 
dition. No  devastation,  of  any  consequence,  had  been 
committed,  except  by  the  credulous,  who  had  made 
numerous  excavations  in  the  breast  works,  and  various 
parts  of  the  encampment,  for  the  purpose  of  discovering 
the  money,  which  the  officers  were  supposed  to  have 
buried,  and  abandoned.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add, 
that  they  never  found  any  money,  for  private  property 
was  made  sacred  by  the  convention,  and  even  the  public 
military  chest  was  not  disturbed  :  the  British  retained 
every  shilling  that  it  contained.  Under  such  circum- 
stances, to  have  buried  their  money,  would  have  been 
almost  as  great  a  folly,  as  the  subsequent  search  for  it. 
This  infatuation,  has  not,  however,  gone  by,  even  to 
this  hour,  and  still,  every  year,  new  pits  are  excavated 
by  the  insatiable  money  diggers.^ 


'  This  appears  to  be  a  very  common  popular  delusion  ;  in  many  places 
on  the  Hudson,  and  about  the  lakes,  where  armies  had  lain,  or  moved, 
wc  found  money  pits  dug;  and  in  one  place,  th.y  told  us,  tliat  a  man 
bought  of  a  poor  widow,  the  right  of  digging  in  her  ground  for  the  hidden 
treasure.  . 

Were  Professor  Silliman  alive  now  (1877),  ^^  would  find  a  stock  com- 
pany organized  and  in  active  operation  for  the  purpose  of  digging  on  the 
lower  Hudson  for  the  treasures  of  Captain  Kidd. —  IV.  L.  S. 


400      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


I'M, 


The  Filld  of  Surrender. 

We  arrived  at  this  interesting  spot,  in  a  very  fine 
morning  ;  the  sun  shone  with  great  splendor,  upon  the 
flowing  Hudson,  and  upon  the  beautiful  heights,  and  the 
luxuriant  meadows,  now  smiling  in  r'ch  verdure,  and  • 
exhibiting  images  of  tranquility  and  loveliness,  very  op- 
posite to  the  hor  '>rs  o^'  vai,  which  were  once  witnessed 
here. 


wl 
wl 
th 
II 
an 
ful 
wi 
no 
olc 
de 
thi 
T 
toj 

I. 

no 
\h 
be 
m( 
th( 


'rHE   FJSH    KIL,   NOW    I-ISH    CRKEK. 

The  Fish   kil,  swollen   by   abundant  rains  (as    it    was  I 
on  the  morning  of  October  loth,    1777,   when   General  jl  ^' 
Burgoyne    passed    it    with    his   artillery),  now   poured  a  P  ^^ 
turbid   torrent  along  Its   narrow    channel,   and    roaring | 
down  the  declivity  of  the  hills,   hastened   to  mingle   its  [J 
waters  with  those  of  the  Hudson. 


-1 

;1     ant 


Burgoyne. 


Appendix. 


401 


DER. 

)t,  in  a  very   fine 


We  passed   the   ruins  of  General   Schuyler's   house, 
which  are  still  conspicuous,  and  hastened  to  the  field 

where   the    British    troops   grounded    their    arms.      Al- 

;ilendor,   upon  the    ;,..  t  ,.  ..  .,  ,.  , 

'  '     ^         1      1  tnougn,  m  1797,  J  paced  it  over  in  juvenile  enthusiasm,* 

il  heiiihts,  and  the    1  r  ,-  1  1     i         •  1  1 

^      ^  '\  {  telt  scarcely  less  interested  on  the  present  occasion, 

r'ch   verdure,  and 
veliness,   very  op- 1  \ 


2re  once  witnessed  ■  ; 


It  rains  (as  it  was 
77,  when  General 
ry),  now  poured  a 
mnci,  and  roaring 
nied   to  mingle   itsi 


and  again  walked  over  the  whole  tract.      It  is  a  beauti- 
ful meadow,  situated  at  the  intersection   of  the  Fish  kil, 
with  the  Hudson,  and  north  of  the   former.     There  is 
nothing  now  to  distinguish  the  spot,  except  the  ruins  of 
old  Fort  Hardy,  built  during  the   French  wars,  and  the 
deeply  interesting  historical  associations  which  will  cause 
this    place    to  be   memorable   to   the   latest   generation 
Thousands  and  thousands  yet   unborn,   will   visit  Sara- 
toga, with  feelings  of  the  deepest   interest,  and   it  will 
not  be  forgotten  till   ThermopylcC,  and   Marathon,  c  A 
Bannockburn  and  Waterloo,  shall  cease  to  be  remem- 
bered.    There  it  will   be   said,   were  the  last  entrench- 
ments of  a    proud   invading  army  ;   on  that   spot   stood 
their   formidable   park   of  artillery  —  and    here,  on   this 
now    peaceful    meadow,    they    piled    their    arms  !   their 
arms  no  longer  terrible,  but   now  converted  into  a  glo- 
rious trophy  of  victory  ! 

Reflections  and  Remarks. 

I  have  adverted  but  little  to  the  sufferings  of  the 
American  army,  because  but  little,  comparatively,  is 
known  of  what  they  individually  endured.      Excepting 


'  In  company  with  the  Hon.  John  Elliott,  now  a  senator  from  Georgia, 
and  John  Wynn,  Esq.,  from  the  same  state. 


402      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

the  inevitable  casualties  of  battle,  they  must  have  suf- 
fcred  much  less  than  their  enemies  ;  for  they  soon 
ceased  to  be  the  flying,  and  became  the  attacking  and 
triumphant  party.  Colonels  Colburn,  Adams,  Francis, 
and  many  other  brave  officers  and  men,  gave  up  their 
lives,  as  the  price  of  their  country's  liberty,  and  very 
many  carried  away  with  them  the  scars  produced  by 
honorable  wounds.  The  bravery  of  the  American 
army  was  fully  acknowledged  by  their  adversaries. 

"  At  all  times,"  said  Lord  Balcarras,  "  when  I  was 
opposed  to  the  rebels,  they  fought  with  great  courage 
and  obstinacy.  We  were  taught  by  experience,  that 
neither  their  attacks  nor  resistance  was  to  be  despised." 
Speaking  of  the  retreat  of  the  Americans,  from  Ticon- 
deroga,  and  of  their  behavior  at  the  battle  of  Hubberton, 
Lord  Balcarras  adds  :  "Circumstanced  as  the  enemy 
were,  as  an  army  very  hard  pressed,  in  their  retreat,  they 
certainly  behaved  with  great  gallantry  ;"  of  the  attack 
on  the  lines,  on  the  evenir.g  of  the  7th  of  October,  he 
says:  "  The  lines  were  attacked,  and  with  as  much  furyj 
as  the  fire  of  small  arms  can  admit." 

Lord  Balcarras  had  said,  that  he  never  knew  the 
Americans  to  defend  their  entrenchments,  but  added: 
"  The  reason  why  they  did  not  defend  their  entrench- 
ments was,  that  they  always  marched  out  of  them  and 
attacked  us."  Captain  Money,  in  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion, whether  on  the  19th  of  September,  the  Americans; 
disputed  the  field  with  obstinacy,  answered,  "  They  did, 
and  the  fire  was  much  hotter  than  I  ever  knew  it  any 
where,  except  at  the  affair  of  Fort  Anne;"  and  speaking 


Appendix, 


403 


of  the  battle  of  October  7th,  and  of  the  moment  when 
the    Americans,    with    nothing    but   small    arms,    were 
marching  up  to  the  British  artillery,  he  adds  :     "  1  was 
very  much  astonished,  to  hear  the  shot  from  the  enemy, 
fly  so  thick,  after  our  cannonade  had  lasted  a  quarter  of 
an  hour."     General  Burgoyne  gives  it  as  his  opinion, 
that  as  rangers,  "  perhaps  there  are  few  better  in  the 
world,  than  the  corps  of  Virginia  riflemen  which  acted 
under    Colonel    Morgan."      He    says,  speaking  of  the 
battle  of  September  19th,  that,  "  few  actions  have  been 
characterized  by  more  obstinacy,  in   attack  or  defence. 
The  British  bayonet  was  repeatedly  tried  ineffectually." 
Remarking  upon  the  battle  of  the  7th  of  October,  he 
observes  :  "  If  there  be   any   persons  who   continue   to 
doubt  that  the  Americans  possess  the  quality  2in<\  faculty 
of  fighting,  call  it  by  whatever  term  they  please,  they 
are  of  a  prejudice,  that  it  would  be  very  absurd  longer  to 
|contend  with  ;"   he  says,  that  in  this  action  the  British 
j troops  "  retreated  hard  pressed,  but  in  good  order,"  and 
that  "the  troops  had  scarcely  entered  the  camp,  when 
it  was  stormed   with  great   fury,  the  enemy   rushing  to 
the  lines,   under  a  severe  fire  of  grape  shot  and  small 


arms. 


>> 


In  a  private  letter,  addressed   to  Lord   George  Ger- 
Imain,  after  the  surrender,  he  says  :  "  I  should  now  hold 
myself  unjustifiable,  if  I   did   not   confide  to  your  lord- 
ship,  my   opinion,   upon  a   near  inspection  of  the  rebel 
troops.     The  standing  corps  that  I  have  seen,  are  dis- 
Iciplined.     I  do  not  hazard  the  term,  but  apply  it  to  the 
[great  fundamental  points  of  military  institution,  sobriety, 
[subordination,  regularity,  and  courage." 


404      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


It  is  very  gratifying  to  every  real  American  to  find, 
that  for  so  great  a  prize,  his  countrymen  (their  enemies 
themselves  being  judges),  contended  so  nobly,  and  that 
their  conduct  for  bravery,  skill  and  humanity,  will  stand 
the  scrutiny  of  all  future  ages. 

From  the  enemy  it  becomes  us  not  to  withhold  the 
commendation  that  is  justly  due  ;  all  that  skill  and  valor} 
could  effect,  they  accomplished,  and  they  were  over- 
whelmed at  last  by  complicated  distresses,  and  by  very 
superior  numbers,  amounting  at  the  time  of  the  surren- 
der, probably,  to  three  for  one,  although  the  disparity 
was  much  less,  in  the  two  great  battles. 

The  vaunting  proclamation  of  General  Burgoyne,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  campaign  ;  some  of  his 
boasting  letters,  written  during  the  progress  of  it,  and 
his  devastation  of  private  property,  reflect  no  honor  on 
his  memory.  But,  in  general,  he  appears  to  have  been 
a  humane  and  honorable  man,  a  scholar  and  a  gentle- 
man, a  brave  soldier  and  an  able  commander.  Some  of 
his  sentiments  have  a  higher  moral  tone  than  is.  common 
with  men  of  his  profession,  and  have  probably  procured 
for  him  more  respect,  than  all  his  battles.  Speaking  of 
the  battle  of  the  7th,  he  says  :  "  In  the  course  of  the 
action,  a  shot  had  passed  through  my  hat,  and  another 
had  torn  my  waistcoat.  I  should  be  sorry  to  be  thought, 
at  any  time,  insensible  to  the  protecting  hand  of  Provi- 
dence ;  but  I  ever,  more  particularly  considered  (and  I 
hope  not  superstitiously)  a  soldier's  hair  breadth  escapes 
as  incentives  to  duty,  a  marked  renewal  of  the  trust  of  be 
ingy  for  the  purposes  of  a  public  station  ;  and  under  that 


\urgoyne, 

Lmerican  to  find, 
en  (their  enemies 
>  nobly,  and  that| 
manity,will  stand 

)t  to  withhold  the 
iiat  skill  and  valor 
they  were  over- 
sses,  and  by  very 
ne  of  the  surren- 
»ugh  the  disparity! 


Appendix, 


405 


>■ 


^ral  Burgoyne,  at 
n  ;     some    of  his| 
rogress  of  it,  and 
fleet  no  honor  on 
ars  to  have  been| 
ar  and  a  gentle- 
nander.      Some  ofl 
e  than  is.  common 
)robably  procurtu 
es.      Speaking  ot 
he   course  of  the 
hat,  and  another 
)rry  to  be  thought, 
g  hand  of  Provi- 
considered  (and  I 
r  breadth  escapes] 
/  of  the  trust  of  be- 
;  and  under  that 


reflection,  to  lose  our  fortitude,  by  giving  way  to  our 
aflections  ;  to  be  divested  by  any  possible  self-emotion 
from  meeting  a  present  exigency,  with  our  best  facul- 
ties, were  at  once  dishonor  and  impiety." 

Thus   have  I  adverted,  I    hope    not   with  too  much 
particularity,  to  some   of  the   leading  circumstances   of 
the  greatest  military  event  which   has  ever  occurred  in 
America  ;  but  compared  with  the  whole  extent  and  di- 
versity of  that   campaign,   the  above  notices,   however 
extended,  are    few  and    brief.     I    confess,    I   have    re- 
viewed them  with  a  very  deep  interest,  and  have  been 
willing  to  hear  some  of  the  distinguished  actors  speak  in 
their  own  language.     Should  the  notice  of  these  great 
events  tend,  in  any  instance,  to  quench  the  odious  fires 
of  party,  and  to  rekindle  those  of  genuine  patriotism  — 
should  it  revive  in  any  one,  a  veneration  for  the  virtues 
of  those  men  who  faced  death,  in  every  form,  regardless 
of  their  own  lives,  and  bent  only  on  securing  to  poste- 
Irity,  the  precious  blessings,  which  we  now  enjoy  ;  and 
iabove  all,  should  we  thus  be  led  to  cherish  a  higher  sense 
|of  gratitude  to  Heaven,  for  our  unexampled  privileges, 
^and  to  use  them  more  temperately  and  wisely,  the  time 
^occupied  in   this   sketch,  will   not  have   been   spent  in 
vain.     History   presents  no   struggle  for  liberty  which 
jhas  in  it  more  of  the   moral    sublime   than   that  of  the 
^American  Revolution.     It  has  been,  of  late  years,  too 
luch  forgotten,  in  the  snarp  contentions  of  party,  and 
le  who  endeavors  to   withdraw  the  public   mind   from 
those  debasing  conflicts,  and  to  fix  it  on  the  grandeur  of 
that  great  epoch  —  which,  magnificent  in  itself,  begins 

35 


4o6       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


now,  to  wear  the  solemn  livery  of  antiquity^  as  it  is  viewed 
through  ihe  deepening  twilight  of  half  a  century^  certainly 
performs  a  meritorious  service,  and  can  scarcely  need  a 
justification.  The  generation  that  sustained  the  con- 
flict, is  now  almost  passed  away  ;  a  few  hoary  heads  re- 
main, seamed  with  honorable  scars — a  few  experienced 
guides  cr'">  still  attend  us  to  the  fields  of  carnage,  and 
point  out  thr  places  where  they  and  their  companions 
fought  and  bled,  and  where  sleep  the  bones  of  the  slain. 
But  these  men  will  soon  be  gone  ;  tradition  and  history, 
will,  however,  continue  to  recite  their  deeds,  and  the 
latest  generations  will  be  taught  to  venerate  the  defend- 
ers of  our  liberties — to  visit  the  battle-grounds,  which 
were  moistened  with  their  blood,  and  to  thank  the 
mighty  God  of  battles,  that  the  arduous  conflict  termin- 
ated in  the  entire  establishment  of  the  liberties  of  this 
cc  '.ntry. 

No.  XV. 

Sergeant  Lamb's  Account  of  his  Journey  through 
THE  Woods  from  Fort  Miller  to  Ticonderoga, 
to  expedite  Supplies  for  Burgovne's  Army.' 

During  our  continuance  at  Fort  Miller,  the  writer  of 
this  memoir  was  selected  by  his  officers  to  return  alone 
to  Ticonderoga,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  back  some  ol 
our   baggage  which  had   been   left  there.     Going  unac- 


'  From  a  Alcmoir  of  His  oivii  Liff,  by  R.  Lamb,  formerly  a  S(:rt;eant  i 
the  Royal  Welsh  Fusilecrs,  autlior  at  a  Jounial  of  Occurrc/ues  durivg  tl. 
late  American  War^  Dublin,  1811.  For  the  oppoitunity  of  copying  fro 
this  rare  work,  the  author  is  indebted  to  the  unfailing  courtesy  of  Mr.  Lym. 
C.  Draper,  of  P/ladison,  Wisconsin. 


(ini 
III 


'^1:  ,# 


Appendix, 


407 


:re.     Goiiiir  unac- 


companied on  such  a  solitary  route  was  dreary  and  dan- 
gerous ;  but  yet  the  selection  of  one  from  numbers, 
seemed  to  render  the  man  chosen  on  the  occasion,  a 
depositary  of  peculiar  confidence.  He  therefore  under- 
took the  duty  imposed,  not  only  without  repining,  but 
with  alacrity.  A  small  detachment  if  sent,  could  not 
pass  unnoticed  or  safe  by  such  a  route  through  the 
woods,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles  ;^  and  a  sufficient 
force  coulfl  not  be  spared  on  the  occasion.  The  send- 
ing of  a  single  soldier  appeared  therefore  the  most  advisa- 
ble plan  ;  and  it  was  ordered  by  General  Burgoyne, 
that  he  should,  after  arriving  at  Ticonderoga,  follow  the 
roval  army  with  the  baggage  escorted  by  the  recruits, 
and  a.^  many  of  the  convalescents  remaining  at  that 
post  as  could  march  with  it.  Pursuant  to  this  arrange- 
ment, he  prepared  himself,  taking  twenty  rounds  of  ball 
cartridge,  and  some  provisions. 

About  noon  he  set  out,  and  at  four  in  the  after- 
n(K)n  reached  our  former  encampment.  Fort  Edward, 
where  he  stopped  awliile  to  refresh.  Thence  he  pro- 
ceeded with  as  much  expedition  as  he  could  make  to 
Fort  Henry  on   Lake  George.^     Almost  eleven  o'clock 


'  Lamb  refers  to  the  distance  from  Fort  Miller  to  Fort  George,  where  he 
would  take  water-carriage,  and  not  of  course,  to  the  distance  from  Fort 
Miller  to  Ticonderoga. 

^  Meaning  Fort  George  P'ort  Wm.  Henry  was  then  in  ruins.  Much 
confusion  seems  always  to  have  arisen  regarding  these  two  forts.  The 
French  on  Montcalm's  expedition  against  Fort  William  Henry  in  17571 
(built  by  Sir  William  Johnson  in  1755)  spoke  of  going  against  Fort 
George  —  though  thi;'  fort,  which  consisted  of  only  a  single  bastion,  was 
not  built  until  several  years  after  by  Amherst. —  fV.  L.  S. 


4o8      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


at   night,   becoming   very  weary,  he   laid   him   down  to 
sleep  a  little  in  a  thick  part  of  a  wood.     Although  the 
day  was  not,  the  night  dews  soon  awakened  him  shiver- 
ing with  cold,  having  rested  but  about  two  hours  ;  then 
resuming  his  march  for  four  or  five  miles  he  saw  a  light 
on  his   left,  and   directed   his  course  toward  it.      Having 
gained    the   place,  he  was  saluted   by  a  man  at  the  door 
of  his  house  who  informed  him  that  a  soldier's  wife  had 
been  just  taken  in  from  the  woods,  where  she  was  found 
by  one  of  his  family,  in  the  pains  of  child-birth.      Being 
admitted    into    this   hospitable   dwelling,   the   owner    of 
which  was  one  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  or  people  called 
Quakers,   he  recognized   the  wife  of  a  sergeanv  of  his 
own   company.     The   woman  was   delivered   of  a  fine 
girl  soon  after  ;  and  having  requested  her  friendlv  host 
to  allow  her  to  stop  until  his  return  from  Ticonderoga, 
at  which  time  he  would  be  able  to  take  her  to  the  army 
in   one  of  his  wagons,   he    set  out   on  his   lonely  route 
again.      Previous   to  his   leaving  her,  she  informed    him 
that   she   had   determined    to   brave  the  dangers  of  the 
v\'oods,  in  order  to  come  up  with  her  husband  ;  that  she 
had  crossed  Lake  George,  and  was  seized  with  the  sick- 
ness of  labor  in  the  forest,  where  she  must  have  perished, 
had  she  not  been  providentially  discovered  by  the  kind- 
hearted   people  under  whose  roof  she  then  was.     It  is 
worthy  of  remark  that  the  author  not  long  since  in  this 
city  (Dublin),  with  great  pleasure,  saw  the  female,  who 
was   born  as   he  before  related,   in  the  wilderness,   near 
Lake  George.      She  had   been  married  to  a  man  serving 
in  the  band  of  a  militia  regimentj  and   the  meeting  with 


3urgoyne. 


Appendix. 


409 


aid  him  down  to 
d.  Although  the 
kened  him  shiver- 
:  two  hours  ;  then 
iles  he  saw  a  light 
•ward  it.  Having  | 
a  man  at  the  door 

soldier's  wife  had 
ere  she  was  found 
hild-birth.  Being 
[ig,  the  owner  of 
ds,  or  people  called 

a  sergeant-  of  hi*^ 
elivered  of  a  fine 
d  her  friendly  host 
from  Ticonderoga, 
Ice  her  to  the  army 
n  his   lonely  route 

she  informed  him 
the  dangers  of  the 

husband  ;  that  she 
;ized  with  the  sick- 
iiust  have  perished, 
)vercd  by  the  kind- 
le then  was.  It  is 
)t  long  since  in  this 
aw  the  female,  who 
he  wilderness,  near 
-d  to  a  man  serving 
id   the  meeting  with 


her  revived  in  his  mind  the  lively  emotions  of  distressful 
and  difficult  scenes,  which,  although  long  passed,  can 
never  be  forgotten  by  him.^  At  Fort  George,  he  was 
provided  with  a  beat  to  take  him  across  [sic)  the  lake  to 
Ticonderoga. 

Lake  George  is  situate  southwest  of  Lake  Champlain, 
and  its  bed  lies  about  100  feet  higher.  Its  waters  are 
beautifully  clear,  composing  a  sheef  thirty  six  miles  long, 
and  from  one  to  seven  wide.  It  embosoms  more  than 
two  hundred  islands,  affording  nothing  for  the  most  part 
but  a  ground  of  barren  rocks  covered  with  heath,  and  a 
few  cedar  and  spruce  trees.  On  each  side  it  is  skirted 
by  prodigious  mountains.  The  lake  abounds  with  fish, 
and  some  of  the  best  kind,  such  as  the  black  or  Oswego 
bass,  also  large  speckled  trout. ^  It  was  called  Lake 
Sacrament  by  the  Canadians,  who,  in  former  times,  were 
at  the  pains  to  procure  its  water  for  sacramental  uses  in 
their  churches. 3 


'  Lamb  furnishes  the  story  of  this  woman's  heroism  two  or  three  pages 
forward. 

2  This  will  be  quite  a  revelation  to  fishermen  of  the  present  day  —  since 
it  is  generally  supposed  not  only  that  the  name  Osivego  hass  is  a  modern 
one,  but  that  the  bass  are  a  comparatively  recent  inhabitant  of  Lake 
George.— ;r.L.5. 

3 The  writer  here,  in  common  with  Cooper,  falls  into  a  very  common 
error.  The  Fronch  missionary,  Father  Jogues,  named  it  St.  Hacramcnc,  not 
on  account  of  the  purity  of  its  waters,  but  because  he  arrived  at  the  lake 
upon  one  of  the  festival  days  of  that 'name, ^  Tb»  early  Roman  catholic 
jdiscoverers,  says  the  late  Rev.    Mr.   Van   Renssel  er,  "  frequently  connect 


1  "  Us  arriverant,  la  vcillc  cUi  S.  Sacrament,  au  bout  du  lac  que  est  joint  au  grand 
Uac  dc  Champlain,  Lcs  Iro  ;uois  Ic  nommciit  Andiatarocte^  comme  qui  discit  Lt  ou  It 
[lac  siftrini,     Le  Pere  Ic  nomma  Ic  lac  du  S.  Sacranent." — Rtlations.,  1645-6, 


';  i 


410      Campaign  of  General  John  B.^rgoy^ie. 

There  are  t»vo  island   nearly  in  the  centre  of  it;  in 
one  of  which,  called  Diamond  island,  two  companies  o'i 
the  47th  were  stationed,  commanded  by  Captain  Aubrey,! 
for  the  purpose  of  forwarding  prisoners  over  the  lakes. 
These  islands  were,  antcrit)r  to  this  rime,  said  to  swarm 
with  rattle-snakes  ;   so  much   so,  that   ptople  would   not| 
venture  to  land  on  them.      A  bateau  in  sailinj^  near  Dia- 
mond  island   having  upset,   the   people   in   it  gained   thel 
shore,  but  climbed  the  trees  for  fear  of  the  snakes,  until 
they  got  an  opportunity  ot  a  vessel   passing  to   leave  it. 
Some  hogs,  however,  which  had  b.en  carried  in  the  upset 
boat  remaining  on  the  island  to  v»'hich  they  swam,  were 
sometime  afterward   followed    by   the  owners,   who,   to 
recover  them,  ventured  ashore.      They  found  the  swine 
exceedingly  fat,  and,  to  their  surpris".  met  but  very  few 
of  the   rattle-snakes  which  before   had  been   so  plenty. 
A  hog  being  killed  on  the  spot,  made  a  good  meat  for 
the  people.      It   was  discovered   by  its  stomach   that  the 
hog  fed   upon  the  rattle-snakes,  -uid  had  nearly  cleared| 
the  island  of  such  noxious  tenantry. 

The  wild   hog  in  the  woods  and  the  Indian  himself! 
are  known  to  feed  on  snakes  as  a  delicacy.'  *     *     :(c     *] 


the   discovery  of  places    with   the   festival   name   on   the  calendar."     Mr. 
Cooper,  in   his  Last  of  the  Mohicam  suggests  tlie  name  of  Horicon  for  thisj 
Jake.     This,  though  quite  poetical,  is  merely  fanciful,  as   indeed  he  claims,! 
and   has  not  the  merit  of  historical  truth.     The  ancient  Iroquois   name  ofl 
the  lake  is    J-uiiatarocte  —  "there  the  lake  suuts  it.-iclf." —  ff^.  L.  S. 

'"The  Indians,"  says  Farmer  Hector  St.  John,  "cut  off"  the  head,  skinj 
the  body  2nd   cook  it  as  wc  do  eels,  and  its  liesh  is  extremely  sweet  and 
while." 


Ap'pendlx. 


41 1 


;rs  over  the  lakes. 
nie,  said  to  swarm 
ptople  would  not 
n  sailinj;  near  Dia- 
e  in  it  gained  the 
)t  the  snakes,  until 
)assing  to  leave  it. 
carried  in  the  upset 
h  they  swam,  were 


-  centre  of  it  \  iuS  There  arc  but  two  serpents  whose  bites  or  stings  prove 
two  compcii/ies  ofP  mortal,  viz:  the  pilot  or  the  copper-head,  and  the  rattle 
\i  Captain  Aubrey, ■  snake.      For  the  bite  or   venom  of  the  former,   it  is  said 

that  no  remedy  or  cure  is  yet  discovered.  It  is  called 
^o.lot  from  its  being  the  first  in  coming  from  its  state  of 
torpidity  in  the  spring,  and  its  name  of  copper-head  is 
taken  from  tlie  copper  colored  spots  i)f  its  head.  The 
black  snake  is  a  good  deal  innoucous,  and  is  remarkable 
only  for  its  agility,  b.'auty,  and  its  art  or  instinct  of 
enticing  birds  or  insects  to  approach  it.  I  have  heard 
only  of  one  person  who  was  stung  by  a  copper-head. 
He  quickly  swelled  in  a  most  dreadful  manner  ;  a  mul- 
^  owners  who,  toBtitude  of  spots  of  different  hues  on  different  parts  of  his 
ey  found  the  swmeHbodv,  alternately  appea'-ed  and  vanished  ;  his  eyes  were 
'  rnet  but  very  few||hlled  with  madness  and  rage  ;  he  fixed  them  on  all  pre- 
ad  been  so  plenty. Hsent  with  the  most  vindictive  looks  ;  he  thrust  out  his 
de  a  good  meal  forHtongue  as  the  snakes  do  ;  he  hissed  through  his  teeth 
s  stomach  that  thegwith  inconceivable  sirength,  and  becarne  ?n  object  of 

error  to  all  by-standers.  To  the  lividness  of  a  corpse, 
e  united  the  desperate  force  of  a  maniac  ;  they  hardly 
ere  able  to  keep  him  fast,  so  as  to  guard  themselves 
rom  his  attacks  ;  when,  in  the  space  of  two  hours,  death 
elieved  the  poor  individual  from  his  struggles,  and  the 
pectators  from  their  apprehensions.  The  venom  of 
name  of  Horkon  for  thisjj^g  rattlc-snake  does   not  operate   so   soon,  and    hei  ce 

ciful.  as  indeed  he  claims,  ■,  .  j-irr'-nu 

*-"   '  Mnere  is  more  time  to  procure  medical  relief.      1  here  are 

ancient  Iroquois   name  o.«  •  ,  .-    ,         i  r         i        • 

rjw  T  R  Beveral  antidotes  with  which  almost  every  family  is 
„,  "cut  off  the  head,  skinlrovided  against  the  poison  of  it.  It  is  very  inactive, 
I'ls  extremely  sweet  andBnd  uiiless  pursued  or  vexed,  perfectly  inoffensive.     *     * 

The  author  having  arrived  and  completed  his  businesi. 


had  nearly  cleared 

the  Indian  himself) 
cacy.^  *     *     * 

on   the  calendar."     Mr. 


412      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

at  Ticonderoga,  he  accompanied  the  baggage  over  Lake 
George,  attended  by  a  number  of  seamen  sent  to  work 
the  bateaux  on  the  Hudson  river.  On  hi^  returning  he 
called  nn  the  good  Quaker  who  lodged  the  sick  wife  of 
his  fellow  soldier ;  but  to  his  astonishment  was  told 
that,  on  the  morrow  after  he  left  her  there  in  child-birth, 
she  set  out  to  meet  her  husband  against  the  wishes  and 
repeated  entreaties  of  the  whole  family,  who  were  anx- 
ious to  detain  her  until  his  return.  She  could  not  be 
pursuaded  to  stop,  but  set  out  on  foot  with  her  new 
born  infant,  and  arrived  safe  with  her  husband,  whom 
she  had  followed  with  such  fond  solicitude.  She  thus 
gave  an  instance  of  the  strength  of  female  attachment 
and  fortitude,  which  shows  that  the  exertions  of  the  sex 
are  often  calculated  to  call  forth  our  cordial  admiration. 
In  a  short  time  the  author  h.id  the  gratification  ofl 
conducting  the  stores  and  baggage  for  which  he  ha 
been  despatched,  in  safety  to  the  army,  and  to  receive 
the  thanks  of  his  officers,  for  the  manner  in  which  he 
executed  the  orders  confided  to  him.  By  this  convey- 
ance the  forces  obtained  a  month's  provisions,  and  a| 
bridge  of  boats  being  constructed  upon  the  Hudson,  on 
the  13th  or  14th  September,  1777,  the  royal  army 
crossed  it,  and  ericamped  on  Saratoga  plain. ^ 


^  Lamb  return'**!  to  t'ru^land  — having  witnessed  the  surrender  at  York- 
town —  in  1783,  where  he  was  affectionately  received  by  an  aged  mothej 
and  a  ff"v  kind  re.  uives.  "He  then,"  the  memoir  concludes,  "  had  tJ 
take  cf  unsel  about  a  line  of  living  10  earn  a  subsistence  j  such  is  generallJ 
the  result  of  a  military  life.  He  chose  to  become  a  school-master  j  a| 
arduous  occupation,   which  has   enabled  him  for   upwards    of  twenty-sii 


y.::T^ 


Burgoyne.  \ 

)aggage  over  Lake 
men  seut  to  work 
n  his  returning  he 
^d  the  sick  wife  otj 
lishment  was  told 
here  in  child-birth, 
nst  the  wishes  and| 
ly,  who  were  anx- 

She  could  not  bel 
foot  with  her  new 
er  husband,  whom 
)licitude.      She  thus! 

female  attachment 
exertions  of  the  sex 
■  cordial  admiration,! 

the  gratification  oil 

for  which  he  hadi 
•my,  and  to  receive! 
nanner  in  which  hej 
1.  By  this  convey- 
s  provisions,  and  a| 
3on  the  Hudson,  onl 
77,  the  royal  army 
ra  plain. ^ 

ssed  the  surrender  at  York-I 
received  by  an  aged  mothel 
nemoir  concludes,  "  had  i 
bsistence  j  such  is  generalll 
icome  a  school-master  5  arj 
for    upwards    of  twenty-si! 


Appendix, 


No.  XVI. 


413 


Burlesque  Ballads  on  Burgoyne's  Expedition.* 
the  fate  of  john  burgoyne. 

When  Jack  the  king's  commander 

Was  going  to  his  duty, 
Through  all  the  crowd  he  smiled  and  bow'd 

To  every  blooming  beauty. 

The  city  rung  with  feats  he'd  done 

In  Portugal  and  Flanders, 
And  all  the  town  thought  he'd  be  crown'd 

The  first  of  Alexanders. 

To  Hampton  Court  he  first  repairs 

To  kiss  great  George's  hand,  sirs  j 
Then  to  harangue  on  state  affairs 

Before  he  left  the  land,  sirs. 

The  Lower  House  sat  mute  as  mouse 

To  hear  his  grand  oration  ; 
And  all  the  peers,  with  loudest  cheers. 

Proclaimed  him  to  the  nation. 


[fears,  to  provide  for,  and  educate  a  growing  family,  the  source  of  satisfac- 

ion  and  solicitude.      He  was  discharged  without  the  pension  '^  usually  given 
3r  past  services,  and  being  frequently  advised  by  his  friends  to  apply  for  it, 

|n  1809  (twenty-five  years  after  receiving  his  discharge)  he  memorialed 
lis  Royal  Highness,  the  Duke  of  York,  and  was  graciously  favored  by  an 
imediate  compliance  with  the  prayer  of  his  petition.  He  submits  the 
lemorial  and  its  answer,  in  gratitude  to  the  illustrious  individual,  who  so 

promptly  condescended  to  notice  it  as  he  did." 
'  These  ballads  are  from   Griswold's   Curiosities  of  American  LiteraturCy 

^nd  other  sources.  • 

'Occasioned    by    a  mere  technicality  and  red  tape.     Sec  his  Journ*!  »f  tht  Amtri' 
an  H'ar^  page  435. 


WSSt 


414      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Then  off  he  went  to  Canada, 

Next  to  Ticonderoga, 
And  quitting  those  away  he  goes 

Straightway  to  Saratoga. 

With  great  parade  his  march  he  made 

To  gain  his  wished  fcr  station, 
While  far  and  wide  his  minions  hied 

To  spread  his  Proclamation. 

To  such  as  staid  he  offers  made 

Oi  ^^  pardon  on  submission  ^ 
But  sa.'age  bands  should  waste  the  lands 

Of  all  in  opposition." 

But  ah,  the  cruel  fates  of  war  ! 

This  boasted  son  of  Britain, 
When  mounting  his  triumphal  car 

With  sudden  fear  was  smitten. 

The  sons  of  Freedom  gathered  round, 

His  hostile  bands  confounded. 
And  vvhen  they'd  fair   h^ive  turned  their  back 

They  found  thcmselvp'  surrounded  ! 

In  vain  they  fought,  in  vain  they  fled. 
Their  chief,  humane  and  tender. 

To  save  the  rest  soon  thought  it  best 
His  forces  to  surrender. 

Brave  St.  Clair,  when   he  first  retired 
Knew  what  the  fates  portended  ; 

And  Arnold  and  heroic  Gates 
His  conduct  have  defended. 

Thus  may  America's  brave  sons 

With  honor  be  rewarded. 
And  the  fate  of  all  her  foes 

The  same  as  here  recorded. 


Appendix, 


415 


THE  NORTH  CAMPAIGN. 

Come  unto  me,  ye  heroes, 

Whose  hearts  are  true  and  bold, 
Who  value  more  your  honor 

Than  others  do  their  gold  ; 
Give  ear  unto  my  story. 

And  I  the  truth  will  tell 
Concerning  many  a  soldier 

Who  for  his  country  fell. 

Burgoyne,  the  king's  commander, 

From  Canada  set  sail 
With  full  eight  thousand  regulars. 

He  thought  he  could  not  fail ; 
With  Indians  and  Canadians, 

And  his  cursed  tory  crew. 
On  board  his  fleet  of  shipping 

He  up  the  Champlain  flew. 

Before  Ticonderoga, 

The  first  day  of  July, 
Appear'd  his  ships  and  army, 

And  we  did  them  espy. 
Their  motions  we  observed 

Full  well  both  night  and  day, 
And  our  brave  boys  prepared 

To  have  a  bloody  fray. 

Our  garrison  they  viewed  them. 

As  straight  their  troops  did  land. 
And  when  St.  Chir,  our  chieftain. 

The  fact  did  understand 
That  they  the  Mount  Defiance 

Were  bent  to  fortify, 
He  found  we  must  surrender. 

Or  else  prepare  to  die. 

The  fifth  day  of  July,  then, 
He  oider'd  a  retreat. 


41 6      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


And  when  next  morn  we  started, 
Burgoyne  thought  we  were  beat. 

And  closely  he  pursued  us, 
Till  when  near  Hubbardton, 

Our  rear  guards  were  defeated, 
He  thought  the  country  won. 

And  when  it  was  told  in  Congress, 

That  we  our  forts  had  left, 
To  Albany  retreated, 

Of  all  the  North    bereft, 
Brave  General  Gates  they  sent  us. 

Our  fortunes  to  retrieve. 
And  him  with  shouts  of  gladness 

The  army  did  receive. 

Where  first  the  Mohawk's  waters 

Do  in  the  sunshine  play, 
For  Herkimer's  brave  soldiers 

Sellinger'  ambush'd  lay: 
And  them  he  there  defeated. 

But  soon  he  had  his  due. 
And  scared''  by  Brooks  and  Arnold 

He  to  the  North  withdrew. 

To  take  the  stores  and  cattle 

That  we  had  gathered  then, 
Burgoyne  sent  a  detachment 

Of  fifteen  hundred  men  j 
By  Baum  they  were  commanded. 

To  Bennington  they  went; 
To  plunder  and  to  murder 

Was  fully  their  intent. 


'  St.  Leger. 

2  A  man  employed  by  the  British  as  a  spy,  was  taken  by  Arnold,  and  at  the  suggc: 
tion  of  Colonel  Brooks  sent  back  to  St.  Lr  rr  with  such  deceptive  accounts  of  th 
strength  of  the  Americans  as  induced  them  to  retreat  towards  Montreal. 


Appendix, 


417 


Arnold,  and  at  the  suggcs- 
deceptive  accounts  of  the 
s  Montreal.  1 


But  little  did  they  know  then, 

With  whom  they  had  to  deal  j 
It  was  not  quite  so  easy 

Our  stores  and  stock  to  steal  j 
Bold  Stark  would  give  them  only 

A  portion  of  his  lead: 
With  half  his  crew  ere  sunset 

Baum  lay  among  the  dead. 

The  nineteenth  of  September, 

The  morning  cool  and  clear, 
Brave  Gates  rode  through  our  army, 

Each  soldier's  heart  to  cheer  : 
"  Burgoyne,"  he  cried,  "  advances. 

But  we  will  never  fly  j 
No  —  rather  than  surrender, 

We'll  fight  him  till  we  die." 

The  news  was  quickly  brought  us. 

The  enemy  was  near. 
And  all  along  our  lines  then, 

There  was  no  sign  of  fear  j 
It  was  above  Stillwater 

We  met  at  noon  that  day, 
And  every  one  expected 

To  see  a  bloody  fray. 

Six  hours  the  battle  lasted, 
Each  heart  was  true  as  gold, 

The  British  fought  like  lions. 
And  we  like  Yankees  bold  ; 

The  leaves  with  blood  were  crimson, 
And  then  brave  Gates  did  cry  — 

"  'Tis  diamond  now  cut  diamond ! 
We'll  beat  them,  boys,  or  die." 

The  darkness  soon  approaching. 

It  forced  us  to  retreat 
Into  our  lines  till  morning, 

Which  made  them  think  us  beatj 

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41 8       Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


But  ere  the  sun  was  risen. 
They  saw  before  their  eyes, 

Us  ready  to  engage  them, 

Which  did  them  much  surprise. 

Of  fighting  they  seem'd  weary, 

Therefore  to  work  they  go 
Their  thousand  dead  to  bury, 

And  breastworks  up  to  throw  : 
With  grape  and  bombs  intending 

Our  army  to  destroy, 
Or  from  our  works  our  forces 

By  stratagem  decoy. 

The  seventh  day  of  October 

The  British  tried  again, 
Shells  from  their  cannon  tlxrowing 

Which  fell  on  us  like  raiiv., 
To  drive  us  from  our  stations 

That  they  might  thus  retreat  j 
For  now  Burgoyne  saw  plainly 

He  never  us  could  beat. 

But  vain  was  his  endeavor 

Our  men  to  terrify  j 
Though  death  was  all  around  us, 

Not  one  of  us  would  fly. 
But  when  an  hour  we'd  fought  them, 

And  they  began  to  yield. 
Along  our  lines  the  cry  ran, 

"  The  next   blow  wins  the  field." 

Great  God  who  won  their  battles 

Whose  cause  is  just  and  true. 
Inspired  our  bold  comn:ander 

The  course  he  should  pursue. 
He  order'd  Arnold  forward, 

And  Brooks  to  follow  on ; 
The  enemy  were  routed, 

Our  liberty  was  won  ! 


Appendix. 


419 


Then,  burning  all  their  luggage, 

They  fled  with  haste  and  fear, 
Burgoyne  with  all  his  forces 

To  Saratogue  did  steer  ; 
And  Gates  our  brave  commander. 

Soon  a^ter  him  did  hie, 
Resolving  he  would  take  them 

Or  in  the  effort  die. 

As  we  came  nigh  the  village, 

We  overtook  the  foe  ; 
They'd  burned  each  house  to  ashes, 

Like  all  where'er  they  go. 
The  seventeenth  of  October, 

They  did  capitulate; 
Burgoyne  and  his   proud  army 

Did  we  our  pris'ners  make. 

Now  here's  a  health  to  Arnold, 

And  our  commander  Gates  ; 
To  Lincoln  and  to  Washington, 

Whom  ev'ry  tory  hates  ; 
Likevvise  unto  our  Congresb, 

God  grant  it  long  to  reign, 
Our  Country,  Right  and  Justice 

For  ever  to  maintain. 

Now  finish'H  is  my  story, 

My  song  is  at  an  end ; 
The  freedom  we're  enjoying 

We're  ready  to  defend; 
For  while  our  cause  is  righteous. 

Heaven  nerves  the  soldier's  arm. 
And  vain  is  their  endeivor 

Who  strive  to  do  us  harm. 


420      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


BURGOYNE'S  ADVANCE  AND  FALL. 

An  extract  from    America  Independent. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU.' 

Led  on  by  lust  of  lucre  and  renown, 

Burgoyne  came  marching  with  his  thousands  down  ; 

High  were  his  thoughts,  and  furious  his  career, 

Puff'd  with  self-confidence,  and  pride  severe, 

Swoln  with  the  idea  of  his  future  deeds. 

On  to  ruin  each  advantage  leads. 

Before  his  hosts  his  heaviest  curses  flew. 

And  conquer'd  worlds  rose  hourly  to  his  view  : 

His  wrath,  like  Jove's,  could  bear  with  no  control, 

His  words  bespoke  the  mischief  in  his  sou) ; 

To  fight  was  not  this  miscreant's  only  trade. 

He  shin'd  in  writing,  and  his  wit  display'd. 

To  awe  the  more  with  titles  of  command 

He  told  of  forts  he  ruPd  in  Scottish  land  j 

Queen's  colonel  as  he  was  he  did  not  know 

That  thorns  and  thistles^  mix'd  with  honors,  grow  j 

In  Britain's  senate  though  he  held  a  place. 

All  did  not  save  him  from  one  long  disgrace. 

One  stroke  of  fortune  that  convinc'd  them  all 

That  we  could  conquer,  and  lieutenants  fall. 

Foe  to  the  rights  of  man,  proud  plunderer,  say 

Had  conquest  crown'd  thee  on  that  mighty  day 

When  you  to  Gates,  with  sorrow,  rage  and  shame 

Resign'd  your  conquests,  honors,  arms,  and  fame. 

When  at  his  feet  Britannia's  wreaths  you  tlirew. 

And  the  sun  sicken'd  at  a  sight  so  new  ; 

Had  you  been  victor  —  what  a  waste  of  woe  ! 

What  souls  had  vanish'd  to  where  souls  do  go ! 

What  dire  distress  had  mark'd  your  fatal  way. 


'  Philip  Frcncau  —  tiie  poet  of  the  Revolution,  was  a  native  of  New  Jersey, 
volume  of  his  poems  published  in  Philadelphia  in  1786,  abounds  in  patriotic  scntimcl 
and  allusions  to  various  events  of  the  war.     He  died  in  his  native  state  at  the  advarnl 
age  of  eighty  years. 


Burgoyne, 


Appendix, 


421 


JD  FALL. 

•pendent. 


inds  down  j 

career, 

evere, 


1  view  : 

no  control, 
soul  \ 
trade, 
ay'd. 
tnd 
id; 
now 

onors,  grow ; 
lace, 
isgrace. 

hem  all 
fall. 

erer,  say 

lighty  day 

ge  and  shame 

;,  and  fame, 

you  tlnew, 

:W5 

of  woe ! 

uls  do  go! 

atal  way, 

was  a  native  of  New  Jersey. 

»86,  abounds  in  patriotic  sentimci 

1  in  his  native  state  at  the  advanj 


What  deaths  on  deaths  disgrace  that  dismal  day  ! 

Can  laurels  flourish  in  a  soil  of  blood, 

Or  on  those  laurels  can  fair  honors  bud  ? 

Curs'd  be  that  wretch  who  murder  makes  his  trade, 

Curs'd  be  all  arms  that  e'er  ambition  made  ! 

What  murdering  tory  now  relieves  your  grief 

Or  plans  new  conquests  for  his  favorite  chief; 

Designs  still  dark  employ  that  ruffian  race. 

Beasts  of  your  choosing,  and  our  own  disgrace. 

So  vile  a  crew  the  world  ne'er  saw  before. 

And  grant,  ye  pitying  heavens,  it  may  no  more. 

If  ghosts  from  hell  infest  our  poison'd  air. 

Those  ghosts  have  enter'd  these  base  bodies  here. 

Murder  and  blood  is  still  their  dear  delight  — 

Scream  round  their  roots  ye  ravens  of  the  night ! 

Whene'er  they  wed,  may  demons,  and  despair, 

And  grief,  and  woe,  and  blackest  night  be  there  ; 

Fiends  leagu'd  from  hell,  the  nuptial  lamp  display, 

Swift  to  perdition  light  them  on  their  way. 

Round  the  wide  world  their  devilish  squadrons  chase. 

To  find  no  realm  that  grants  one  resting  place. 

Far  to  the  north,  on  Scotland's  utmost  end 

An  isle  there  lies,  the  haunt  of  every  fiend. 

There  screeching  owls,  and  screaming  vultures  rest. 

And  not  a  tree  adorns  its  barren  breast ! 

No  shepherds  there  attend  their  bleating  flocks, 

But  wither'd  witches  rove  ?mong  the  rocks  : 

Shrouded  in  ice,  the  blasted  mountains  show 

Their  cloven  heads,  to  fright  the  seas  below  ; 

The  lamp  of  heaven  in  his  diurnal  race 

Here  scarcely  deigns  to  unveil  his  radiant  face  j 

Or  if  one  day  he  circling  treads  the  sky 

He  views  this  island  with  an  angry  eye  ; 

Or  ambient  fogs  their  broad,  moist  wings  expand. 

Damp  his  bright  ray,  and  cloud  the  infernal  land  } 

The  blackening  wind  incessant  storms  prolong, 

Dull  as  their  night,  and  dreary  as  my  song  ; 


^^' 


422      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

When  stormy  winds  with  rain  refuse  to  blow, 
Then  from  the  dark  sky  drives  the  unpitying  snow; 
When  drifting  snow  from  iron  clouds  forbear 
Then  down  the  hailstones  rattle  through  the  air. 
No  peace  no  rest,  the  elements  bestow, 
But  seas  forever  rage,  and  storms  forever  blow. 
Here,  miscreants,  here  with  loyal  hearts  re  .le, 
Here  pitch  your  tents,  and  kindle  here  your  fire  j 
Here  desert  nature  will  her  stings  display, 
And  fiercest  hunger  on  your  vitals  pre), 
And  with  yourselves  let  yobn  Burgoyne  retire 
To  reign  the  monarch,  whom  your  hearts  admire. 


THE  CAPTURE  AT  SARATOGA.* 

Here  foUoweth  the  direful  fate, 

Of  Burgoyne  and  his  army  great, 

Who  so  proudly  did  display 

The  terrors  of  despotic  sway. 

His  power  and  pride  and  many  threats 

Have  been  brought  low  by  fort'nate  Gates, 

To  bend  to  the  United  States. 
British  prisoners  by  convention, 
Foreigners  by  contravention,  _         _         - 

Tories  sent  across  the  lake,  -         _         - 

Burgoyne  and  his  suite  in  state, 
Sick  and  wounded,  bruised  and  pounded. 
Ne'er  so  much  before  confounded. 
Prisoners  of  war  before  convention 
Deserters  come  with  kind  intention, 


} 


They  lost  at  Bennington's  great  battle,  ^ 

Where  Stark's  glorious  arms  did  rattle,  -' 

Killed  in  September  and  October, 

Ta'en  by  brave  Brown,  some  drunk,  some  sober, 

Slain  by  high-famed  Herkerman,  1 

On  both  flanks,  on  rear  and    van,  > 


2442 

2198 

1 100 

12 

528 

400 
300 

1220 

600 
413 
300 


^  From  a  contemporary  magazine. 


Burgoyne, 


Appendix, 


423 


low, 

iag  snow  J 
)ear 
the  air. 

blow. 
reiue, 
ur  fire ; 

etire 

s  admire. 

VTOGA.^ 


hreats 

late  Gates, 

.                  • 

2442 

- 

2198 

- 

1 100 

- 

12 

ded,|      _ 

528 

- 

400 

- 

300 

le,|            . 

1220 

600 

some  sober, 

413 

. 

300 

4413 


14000 


Indians,  settlers,  butchers,  drovers, 
Enough  to  crowd  large  plains  all  over 
And  those  whom  grim  health  did   prevent 
From  fighting  against  our  continent ; 
And  also  those  who  stole  aw:iy, 
Lest  they  down  their  arms  should  lay, 
Abhorring  that  obnoxious  day  ; 
The  whole  make  fourteen  thousand  men,  ) 
Who  may  not  with  us  fight  again,  i 

This  is  a  pretty  just  account 
Of  Burgoyne's  legions'  whole  amount. 
Who  came  across  the  northern  lakes 
To  desolate  our  happy  states. 
Their  brass  cannon  we  have  got  all, 
Fifty-six  —  both  great  and  small  : 
And  ten  thousand  stand  of  arms. 
To  prevent  all  future  harms  : 
Stores  and  implements  complete. 
Of  workmanship  exceeding  neat; 
Covered  wagons  in  great  plenty. 
And  proper  harness,  no  ways  scanty. 
Among  our  prisoners  there  are 
Six  generals  of  fame  most  rare  ; 
Six  members  of  their  parliament 
Reluctantly  they  seem  content : 
Three  British  lords,  and  Lord  Balcarras 
Who  came  our  country  free  to  harass. 
Two  baronets  of  high  extraction 
Were  sorely  wounded  in  the  action. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  BENNINGTON,  AUGUST  16,  1777. 

BY   REV.   THOMAS   P.    RODMAN. 


Up  through  a  cloudy  sky,  the  sun 

Was  buffeting  his  way 
On  such  a  morn  as  ushers  in 

A  sultry  August  day. 


4^4      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


Hot  was  the  air —  and  hotcer  yet, 
Men's  thought  witiiin  them  grew; 

They  Britons,  Hessians,  Tories^  saw, 
They  saw  their  homesteads  too ! 

They  thought  of  all  their  country's  wrongs  j 

They  thought  of  noble  ?ives, 
Poured  out  in  battle  with    heir  foes;  — 

They  thought  upon  their  v/ives, 
Their  children  and  their  aged  sires, 

Their  firesides,  churches,  God  ! 
And  these  deep  thoughts  made  hallowed  ground 

Each  foot  of  soil  they  trod. 

Their  leader  was  a  veteran  man  — 

A  man  of  earnest  will;  — 
His  very  presence  was  a  host ; 

He'd  fought  at  Bunker's  hill ! 
yi  living  monument  he  stood, 

Of  stirring  deeds  of  fame  ; 
Of  deeds  that  shed  a  fadeless  light. 

Of  his  own  deathless  name  ! 

Of  Charlestown's  flames,  of  Warren's  bloc', 

His  presence  told  the  tale  ; 
It  made  each  patriot's  heart  beat  quick, 

Though  lip  and  cheek  grev/  pale  ; 
It  spoke  of  Princeton,  Morristown;  — 

Told  Trenton's  thrilling  fitory  ; 
It  lit  futurity  with  hope. 

And  on  the  past  shed  glory. 

Who  were  those  men  ?  their  leader,  who  ? 

Where  stood  they  on  that  morn  ? 
The  men  were  northern  yeomanry, 

Brave  men  as  e'er  were  born ; 
Who,  in  the  reaper's  merry  row. 

Or  warrior's  rank  could  stand  ; 
Right  worthy  such  a  noble  troop  — 

John  Stark  led  on  the  band. 


Appendix, 

Walloomsac  wanders  by  tne  spot 

Where  tbey^  that  morning,  stood  ; 
Then  rolled  the  war  cloud  o'er  the  stream, 

The  waves  were  tinged  with  blood  j 
And  the  near  hills  that  dark  cloud  girt, 
.     And  fires  like  lightning  flashed  } 
And  shrieks  and  groans,  like  howling  blasts, 
Rose  as  the  bayonets  clashed. 

The  night  before,  the  Yankee  host 

Came  gathering  from  afar. 
And  in  each  belted  bosom  glowed 

The  spirit  of  the  war  ! 
All  full  of  fight,  through  rainy  storm. 

Night  cloudy,  starless,  dark  — 
They  came  and  gathered  as  they  came, 

Around  the  valiant  Stark  ! 

There  was  a  Berkshire  parson  —  he 

And  all  his  flock  were  there, 
And  like  true  churchmen  militant. 

The  arm  of  flesh  made  bare. 
Out  spoke  the  Dominie,  and  said  :  — 

"  For  battle  have  we  come. 
These  many  times :  and  after  this. 

We  mean  to  stay  at  home, 

"  If  now  we  come  in  vain" —  Said  Stark  : 

"  What !  would  you  go  to-night. 
To  battle  it  with  yonder  troops  ? 

God  send  us  morning  light. 
And  we  will  give  you  work  enough  ; 

Let  but  the  morning  cc  ne. 
And  if  ye  hear  no  voice  of  war. 

Go  back  and  stay  at  home." 

The  morning  came — there  stood  the  foe;  — 

Stark  eyed  them  as  they  stood  j 
Few  words  he  spoke  —  'twas  not  a  time 

For  moralizing  mov^d  j 


425 


426      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

"  See  therC;  the  enemy ^  my  boys  — 

Now,  strong  in  valor's  might, 
Beat  tbcm,  or  Betty '  Stark  will  sleep 

In  widowhood  to-night !  " 

Each  soldier  there  had  left  at  home, 

A  sweetheart,  wife  or  mother  ; 
A  blooming  sister,  or  perchance, 

A  fair  haired,  blue  eyed  brother ; 
Each  from  a  fireside  came,  and  thoughts 

These  simple  words  awoke, 
That  nerved  up  every  warrior's  arm. 

And  guided  every  stroke. 

Fireside  and  woman  —  mighty  words  ! 

How  wond'rous  is  the  spell 
Th<;y  work  upon  the  manly  heart, 

Who  knoweth  not  full  well  ? 
And  then  the  •women  of  this  land. 

That  never  land  hath  known 
A  truer,  nobler  heirted  race. 

Each  Yankee  boy  must  own. 

Brief  eloquence  was  Stark's  —  not  vain  ; 

Scarce  uttered  he  the  words. 
When  burst  the  musket's  rattling  peal ; 

Out  leaped  the  flashing  swords. 
And  when  brave  Staik  in  after  time. 

Told  the  proud  tale  of  wonder, 
He  said  "  the  battle  din  was  owe 

Continual  clap  of  thunder." 

Two  hours  they  strove,  when  victory  crowned 

The  valiant  Yankee  boys ; 
Nought  but  the  memory  of  the  dead 

Bedimmed  their  glorious  joys  ! 


*  General  Stark's  wife's  name  was  Elixabtih  Pagt. 


Appendix. 


427 


Aye  —  cherc's  the  rub  j  the  hour  of  strife, 

Though  follow  years  of  fame, 
Is  still  in  mourriful  memory  linked 

With  some  death-hallowed  name. 

The  cypress  with  the  laurel  twines  — 

The  Paean  sounds  a  knell  — 
The  trophied  column  marks  the  spot 

Where  friends  and  brothers  fell  ! 
Fame's  mantle,  a  funeral  pall 

Seems  to  the  grief  dimmed  eye  ; 
For  ever  where  the  bravest  fall. 

The  best  beloved  die  ! 

TO  THE  RELICS  OF  MY  BRITISH  GRENADIER. 

BY    E.    W.    B.    CANNING. 

I  have  in  my  possession  a  portK  n  of  the  skeleton  of  a  British  officer  of 
the  grenadiers,  who  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Oct.  5th,  1777,  which  was 
accidentally  exhumed  in  the  spring  of  1852.  The  skull  has  a  perforation 
through  the  right  temple,  and  the  bullet  that  made  it  was  found  inside. 
A  portion  of  his  uniform  coat  bears  the  color  and  texture  of  the  cloth  and 
two  heavily   gold  plated  buttons,  after  a  burial  of  seventy-five  years. 

Strange  bivouac,  old   Grenadier, 
Thou  in  my  quiet  study  here, 

Hast  found  at  last  j 
While  I,  who  life's  campaign  began 
When  thou  for  forty  years  hadst  done. 

Patrol  the  past. 

0  had  your  hollow  skull  a  brain, 
Your  bony  mouth  a  tongue  again, 

I  know  full  well 
In  ivhy^s  and  ivhen^s  and  how^s  you'd  find 
A  Yankee  of  the  bluest  kind 

Your  sentinel. 

1  guess  for  many  an  hour  we'd  join 
In  talk  about  Sir  John  Burgoyne, 

And  the  "whole  boodle," 


4^8      Campaign  of  General  John  Rurgoyne, 


Who  'gau  tluir  g.imc  of  br.ig  in  June, 
.Hut  on  oiu*  Idight  Oitohcr  noon 
I. aid  |)ti(ic  .uui  .iinis  down  to  the  tune 
Of  Yankti!  Doodle. 

|u8t  as  old  Dido  .u  lied  of' old 
To  l)C  by  brave  /I'-neas  told 

(^u.intus  Aihilles  — 
yualcs"  —  but  I  van't    write  it  all  — 
So  1  am  piuiicnt  to  recall 
How  once  our  f'athiTS  pounded  small 

King  George's  follies. 

I  long  for  more  about  that  day 
When  Kebels  met  in  grim  array 

The  Regulars  : 
When  trumpet  clang  and  plunging  shot 
And  shouting  made  the  battle  hot 

About  their  ears. 

When  Dearborn,  Poor,  and  Patterson, 
And  Cilley,  Brooks  and   Livingston, 

With  hearts  of"  steel. 
Met  Phillips,  Phaser,  Hamilton, 
Rolling  the  tide  of"  slaughter  on, 

And  made  them  reel. 

When  Morgan  and  his  rlHemen 
"  Bearded  the  lion  in  his  den," 

And  signed  his  name; 
While  Arnold  —  battle's  thunderbolt  — 
Flashed,  like  a  comet  on  a  colt. 

About  the  plain  — 

I'd  ask  what  gallant  Frazer  said. 
When  bullet  from  the  tree  top  sped. 

Its  work  bad  done  : 
How  stout  old  earl  Balcarras  tore, 
When  Yankees  "  true  to  Freedom  swore  " 

His  twelve  pound  gun. 


Appendix, 


429 


How  miiny  imhei  on  that  day 
The  visage  of"  Hiirgoync,  I  pray, 

A  l(*iigrhcning  went  •• 
Didst  hiMi  hin»  say  — as  once  before    — 
That  with  ten  thoiis.inil   ruen — no  more - 
He'd  i(»nc|ucriiig  walk  from  shore  t(»  shore 

Thr  continent  ? 

Hut  I  forget,  old  (Jrenadicr, 
You  never  lived  yourself,  to  hear 

What  others  said  : 
A  luckless  missile  found  you  out, 
And,  killing  instantly  no  doubt, 

It  bored  your  head. 

For  seventy-five  long  years,  old  brave, 
You  occupied  your  shaWow  grave  — 

No  gun  to  stir; 
At  length  by  plough  and  not  by  drum 
Disturbed  your  huge  wreck   has  become 

My  prisoner. 

And  now  I'll  keep  you  guarding  there 
All  of  your  coat  the  mould  could  spare, 

And  darkling  worm  ; 
With  the  gashed  ball  by  whic^  you  died, 
And  buttons,  too,  that  lit  with  pride 

Your  uniform. 

To  those  infused  with  martial  leaven. 
Of  Bcmis's  Heights  in  '77 

You'll  tell  for  long  : 
Aye — and  perchance  some  bard  may  troll 
From  out  that  ragged  bullet  hole, 

Another  song. 


n 


43  o      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


THE  BURIAL  OF  GEN.   ERASER. 

Read  before  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  i8; 

by  E.  W.  B.  Canning,  Esq. 

On  Saratoga's  crimsoned  field, 

When  battle's  volleyed  roar  was, done, 
Mild  autumn's  mellow  light  revealed 

The  glories  of  the  setting  sun. 
On  furrow,  fence  and  tree  that  bear 

The  iron  marks  of  battling  men, 
The  radiance  burneth  calm  and  fair. 

As  tho'  earth  aye  had  sinless  been. 
The  gory  sods,  all  scathed  and  scarred. 

And  piled  in  trenched  mounds  declare 
That  mutual  foeman,  fallen,  marred. 

Have  found  a  final  bivouac  there. 
And  list !   from  yonder  bulwarked  height 

The  faint-heard  martial  signals  come  : 
For  those  who  keep  the  watch  to-night 

Are  gathering  at  the  evening  drum. 

So,  Saratoga,  lay  thy  field 

When  freedom,  'mid  the  shock  of  steel, 
Made  Britain's  rampant  lion  yield. 

And  crushed  his  terrors  'neath  her  heel. 
Proudly  the  freeman  points  to  thee. 

And  speaks  thy  unforgotten  name  j 
While  on  her  page  bright  history 

For  children's  children  writes  thy  fame. 

As  the  last  sunbeam  kissed  the  trees 

That  sighed  amid  its  dying  glow, 
Borne  softly  on  the  evening  breeze 

Floated  the  soldier's  note  of  woe. 
From  out  the  Briton's  guarded  lines, 

With  wailing  fife  and  muffled  drum. 
While  gleaming  gold  with  scarlet  shines, 

A  band  of  mourning  warriors  come. 
With  arms  reversed,  ail  sad  and  slow, 


Appendix. 


43 1 


ERASER. 

1  Monument  Association,  \%- 
■,  Esq. 


And  measured  tread  of  martial  men, 
Forth  on  their  lengthened  path  they  go, 

But  not  to  wake  the  strife  again. 
No  plunging  haste  of  battles  there, 

No  serried  ranks  or  bristling  lines  j 
No  furious  coursers  headlong  bear 

Their  riders  where  the  death  flash  shines. 
The  pennon  is  the  soldiers'  pall, 

The  battery  for  the  bier  is  changed. 
And  plumes  of  nodding  sable  all 

On  chieftains'  brows  are  round  it  ranged. 
The  noblest  leader  of  the  host 

They  carry  to  his  dreamless  sleep  ; 
The  heart  of  British  hope  is  lost. 

And  vain  the  tears  that  Eritons  weep. 
Thine  arm  of  valor,  proud  Burgoyne, 

Is  paralyzed  for  ever  now  ; 
While  sorrow-stricken  comrades  join 

Fondly  to  wreathe  dead  Eraser's  brow. 

On  yonder  hill  that  skirts  the  plain, 

A  lone  redoubt  with  haste  upraised, 
O'erlooks  around  the  trampled  grain, 

Where  oft  the  dying  hero  gazed. 
"  Bury  me  there  at  set  of  sun, " 

(His  latest  words  of  ebbing  life) 
"  'Tis  mine  to  see  no  triumph   won. 

Or  mingle  with  the  final  strife. 
If  gloom  awaits  our  path  of  fame, 

I  die  before  the  ill  befalls  j 
These  ears  shall  tingle  not  with  shame, 

Nor  longer  list  when  glory  calls. 
At  set  of  sun,  in  yon  redoubt. 

Lay  me  to  rest  as  rest  the  brave.  " 
The  flickering  lamp  of  life  went  out. 

And  strangers'  land  must  yield  a  grave. 

Slowly  In  mournful  march  they  wend 
Their  upward  pathway  to  the  tomb  j 


43  2      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


Unwittingly  the  foemen  send 

Their  shots  around  amid  the  gloom. 
They  reach  the  height,  commit  their  trust, 

And  reverent  all  uncovered  stand ; 
While  booming  shots  updash  the  dust 

In  clouds  about  the  listening  bund. 
Robed  and  with  dignity  serene, 

The  man  of  God  reads  calmly  on  ; 
No  terror  marks  his  quiet  mien. 

As  hoarse  responds  the  distant  gun. 
"  Earth  to  earth  and  dust  to  dust: 

Thus  the  solemn  accents  fall; 
Each  receives  her  precious  trust, 

Evening  saddens  over  all. 
Pile  the  mound;  no  living  form 

Nobler  soul  enshrines  than  he. 
Now  bequeathed  the  darkling  worm  — 

Pride  of  Albion's  chivalry  ! 
All  is  done  :  there  wait  for  thee. 

Fallen  chief,  no  more  alarms  ; 
But  thy  peers  anon  must  see 

Hapless  "  field  of  grounded  arms." 

•X-  ^t  -)«■  -x- 

Years  have  trolled  their  changes  by  ; 

Harvests  oft  have  robed  the  plain ; 
And  the  leafy  honors  high 

Sigh  no  more  above  the  slain. 
Sons  of  sires  who  in  the  black, 

Doleful  days  of  '77 
Rolled  the  tide  of  battle  back, 

Seeking  hope  and  strength  in  Heaven, 
Wondering  tread  the  storied  ground. 

And  with  glowing  accents  tell 
How  their  fathers  victory  found. 

And  the  spot  where  Fraser  fell. 
Gallant  chieftain,  nobler  song 

Ought  to  speak  thy  honored  name; 
But  our  sons  remembering  long, 

Worthier  tribute  pay  thy  fame  ! 


.       ^ 


Appendix, 


433 


THE  PROGRESS  OF  SIR  JACK  BRAG. 

Said  Burgoyne  to  his  men,  as  they  pass'd  in  review, 

Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullalo,  boys  ! 
These  rebels  their  course  very  quickly  will  rue, 
And  fly  as  the  leaves  Yore  the  autumn  tempest  flew. 

When  bim  who  is  your  leader  they  know,  boys  ! 

They  with  men  have  now  to  deal. 

And  we  soon  will  make  them  feel, 
Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullalo,  boys  ! 
That  a  loyal  Briton's  arm  and  a  loyal  Briton's  steel 

Can  put  to  flight  a  rebel  as  quick  as  other  foe,  boys ! 

Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullalo  — 

Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullaloo-o-o,  boys  ! 

As  to  Sa-ra-tog'  he  came,  thinking  how  to  jo  the  game, 

.     Tullalo,  tullalo,   tullalo,  boys  ! 
He  began  to  fear  the  grubs,  in  the  branches  of  his  fame, 
He  began  to  have  the  tremhles  lest  a  flash  shoul  ^  be  the  flame, 
For  which  he  had  agreed  his  perfume  to  forego,  boys  ! 
No  lack  of  skill,  but  fates, 
Shall  make  us  yield  to  Gates, 
Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullalo,  boys  f 
The  devil  may  have  leagued,  as  you  know,  with  the  States  ! 
But  we  never  will  be  beat  by  any  mortal  foe,  boys ! 
Tullalo,  tullalo,  tullalo  — 
TuUallo,  tullalo,  tullalo-o-o-o  boys. 


-I 

-■**  ,, 

-  .■■*  ■■ 

1;: 

X. 


/.J  4      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

No.  XVII. 

Description  of  Ticonderoga  and  the  P'orts 
South  or  it  in   1777.^ 

I.  —  Fort  Carillon. 

In  this  are  eight  eightcen-pounder  guns  in  double 
fortified  works.  It  is  surrounded  on  the  north  side  by 
pahsades  in  front  of,  and  surrounding  which  is  an  abatis. 
Between  this  fort  and  the  old  French  redoubt  a  new 
log-house  (block  house)  has  been  built. 

II.  —  The  old  French  Redoubt. 

This  is  about  two  hundred  rods  east  of  the  fort,  am! I 
is  mounted  with  six  cannons,  four  of  which  are  nine- 
pounders  and  two  twelve-pounders.      This  redoubt  has 
been  repaired  (its  old  shape  being  preserved),  and  is  also! 
surrounded  by  an  abatis. 

III.  —  The  old  French  Lines. 

These  have  lately  been  somewhat  repaired,  but  arel 
not  mounted.  The  palisades  have  also  not  been  re-| 
paired. 

IV. —  The  Five  Redoubts  near  the  Shore. 

These  are  situated  in  a  northeasterly  direction  froml 
the  fort  at  the  foot  of  a  hill.  They  have  not  been  re] 
paired. 

N.B. —  On  the  13th  of  May,  the  i)^ws  reached  u<| 
that  the  rebels  were  about  repairing,  and  placing  car] 


*    From  the  Military  Journal  of  Major  Gen.  RifJcsel, 


Appendix, 


435 


Redoubt. 
jast  of  the  fort,  an'J| 

of  which  are  nine- 
This  redoubt  hasl 
reserved),  and  is  also| 

CH  Lines. 

lat  repaired,  but  aiel 

/e  also  not   been   re{ 

lEAR  THE  Shore. 
sterly  direction  froml 
;y  have  not  been  rcj 

he  i)^w^s  reached  \\\ 
ng,  and  placing  carl 


pons  upon 


them,  but  as    yet,   it   is    unknown   of  what 


calibre  they  arc  to  be.  It  has  been  said,  however,  that 
they  may  be  two  ei<i;htcc*n-poun(l(*rs  and  a  few  twelve- 
pounders  that  are  expected  aliout  October. 

All   these   redoubts,  as   well   as  the   lines,   are  poorly 


manne( 


V. —  Fort  (Mount)   lNni:i'i:NDENCE. 


(a.)  North  of  the  mountain  is  a  strong  abatis  where 
twelve  cannons  are  posted  ;  one  of  which  is  a  thirty- 
two-pounder,  and  the  rest  arc  eighteen  and  twelve- 
pounders.  All  of  the  works  are  surrounded  by  a  strong 
abatis. 

{b.)  One  hundred  yards  from  the  works  are  smaller 
fortifications,  in  which  three  eighteen-pounders  and 
three  twenty-four-poufiders  are  placed. 

(f.)  South  of  these  works  are  barracks  and  palisades  ; 
and  in  front  of  them  is  another  abatis.  In  the  rear  of 
the  former  are  eight  nine-pounders,  l^esides  these, 
there  are  twelve  more  nine  and  tweU  e-pounders,  de- 
signed  for  the  defense  of  the   barracks.      These,  how- 


ever, are  not 


yet 


mour 


ited. 


N.B. —  According  to  late  news,  twenty  cannons  have 
been  taken  to  a  battery,  in  a  northerly  direction,  at  the 
foot  of  the  fort,  with  a   view  of  commanding  the  lake. 


Th 


ese  are  twelve  an 


id  eigh 


teen-pounders. 


(^.)  There  are  a  few  cannons  on  the  half-moon  bat- 
tery, which  defend  en  barbette. 

[e.)  There  are  about  one  hundred  iron  cannons  on 
the  ships  near  Carillon  ;  but  there  are  no  mortars  what- 
ever.     These  iron  cannons  are  mostly  old  ones. 


43  6      Camfaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

Particulars. 

The  number  of  troops,  at  present  in  Carillon  and  near 
Mount  Independence,  does  not  exceed  1,300  men  ;  but 
reenforcements  amounting  to  fifteen  regiments,  are 
hourly  expected.  There  is  an  abundance  of  provisions. 
No  preparations  have  been  made  to  build  new  ships. 
The  vessels  of  the  enemy  consist  of  a  rowing  vessel,  an 
old  sloop,  and  two  two-masters.  The  troops  from  New 
England  arrive  daily  in  front  of  No.  4. 

N.B. —  Intelligence,  as  late  as  May  13th,  states,  that 
there  are  at  Ticonderoga  (including  ihe  laborers)  2,800 
men.  Their  chief  business  at  that  time  consisted  in 
cantoning  and  in  constructing  a  bridge,  the  foundation  of 
which  was  laid  in  the  winter  by  th/;  rebels.  This  founda- 
tion consists  of  between  forty  and  fifty  sunken  boxes,  filled 
with  stones,  and  laid  at  a  distance  of  fifty  feet  from  each 
other.  It  is  thought,  that  this  bridge  cannot  be  finished 
even  in  two  months,  from  the  14th  of  May.  It  is  to 
serve  as  a  connection  between  Mount  Independence 
and  Fort  Carillon,  and  is  to  cover  the  retreat  in  case 
one  of  those  posts  should  be  captured.  The  turnpikes 
are  north  of  the  bridge,  but  the  ships  south,  in  order  to 
defend  it.  Close  behind  this  bridge  is  another  and 
smaller  one,  which  is  only  five  feet  in  width.  It  is  de- 
signed for  pedestrians,  and  is  between  the  store  houses 
and  Mount  Independence. 

The  rebels  have  lately  received  150  tons  of  powder. 
This  has  been  the  whole  supply  the  entire  winter. 
They    have    also   received    four   four-pounders,    which 


f 


\urgoyne. 


Appendix, 


437 


Carillon  and  near 

1,300  men  •,  but 

regiments,    are 

ice  of  provisions. 

build    new  ships. 

rowing  vessel,  an 
troops  from  New 

> 

13th,  states,  that 
e  laborers)  2,800 
time  consisted  in 

the  foundation  of 
els.  This  founda- 
inken  boxes,  filled 
fty  feet  from  each 
cannot  be  finished 
)f  May.  It  is  to 
int  Independence 
he  retreat  in  case 
The  turnpikes 
south,  in  order  to 
e    is   another   and 

width.     It  is  de- 
1  the  store  houses 

D  tons  of  powder, 
the  entire  winter, 
'-pounders,    which 


were  made  at  Cambridge,  near  Boston.  A  great  supply 
of  muskets  has,  likewise,  arrived  from  the  West  India 
islands.  A  French  engineer  officer  has  lately  reached 
the  rebel  army,  and  was  appointed  engineer-in-chief.^ 

Fort  Skenesrorough. 

The  garrison  here  consists  of  about  eighty  men.  No 
preparations,  whatever,  have  been  made  at  this  post  for 
ship-building.  There  are  barracks  here,  surrounded  by 
palisades,  in  which  provisions,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
war  material  are  stored. 

Fort  Anne. 

Is  garrisoned  by  about  thirty  men,  and  has  a  barrack 
with  palisades. 

Fort  George.* 

1st.  The  citadel  has  only  recently  been  repaired  and 
provided  with  two  nine-pounders.  It  contains,  also, 
twelve  cannons,  which  are  not  yet  mounted.  Barracks 
for   1,000  men  lie  twenty  yards  east  of  it. 

2d.  Close  to  the  shore  is  a  large  magazine  in  which 
there  is  an  abundance  of  provisions. 

3d.  To  the  west  of  this  magazine,  where  Fort  Wil- 
liam Henry  formerly  stood,  is  the  large  hospital,  a  build- 
ing of  great  dimensions,  and  used  for  the  sick  from  Fort 
Carrillon.     This  is  said  to  be  surrounded  by  palisades, 


•  Kosciusko,  the  Pole  ? — ■  Trandatnr. 

•  Fort  Edward  in  the  original ;  but,  as  the  well  informed  reader  will 
see,  this  is  probably  a  typographical  error,  as  I'ort  George,  at  the  head  of 
Lake  George,  is  of  course  the  fort  here  described. —  Translator. 


;;::  I 


438      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 

and  to  have  a  small  redoubt  on  the  hill  south  of  it.^  A 
strong  guard  is  posted  here  every  night.  The  rebels  at 
Fort  George  are  very  busy  in  cutting  down  trees  and 
carrying  them  to  the  shore  to  be  used  in  the  construc- 
tion ot  six  strong  vessels  on  the  lake.  A  so-called 
Cornmodore  Wynk.  op,  is  said  to  be  still  in  command 
at  this  post ;  only  one  regiment,  it  is  further  said,  re- 
mains here  during  summer  ;  but  as  yet  there  are  only 
400  men  there.  There  is  also  considerable  scarcity  in 
ammunition. 

No.  XVIII. 

The  Saratoj^a  Momiinont  Association. 

The  Saratoga  Monument  Association  was  incorpo- 
r~ited  by  act  of  the  legislature  of  the  state  of  New  York, 
passed  April  19th,  1859,  Chap.  498,  Laws  of  1859. 
The  first  section  of  this  act  reads  as  follows  : 

"  Sec.  I.  George  Strover,  William  Wilcox  and  their 
associates,  shall  he  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the 
name  and  style  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association, 
for  the  purpose  of  taking  and  holding  sufficient  real  and 
personal  property  to  erect  on  such  spot  in  town  of  Sara- 
toga, and  as  near  the  place  where  Burgoyne  surrendered 
the  British  army,  as  a  majority  of  the  trustees  here- 
inafter named  shall  deem  practicable,  a  monument  com- 
memorative of  the  battle  which  ended  in  Burgoyne's  I 
surrender,  on  the  seventeenth  of  October,  seventeen 
hundred  and  seventy-seven." 


*  The  remains  of  this   redoubt,   which    are  still   to   be   seen,   heajs   the 
name  of  Fort  Gage. —  Translator. 


^urgoyne. 

south  of  it.'     A 

The  rebels  at 

down   trees  and 

in  the  construc- 

tke.      A    so-called 

still  in  command 

i  further  said,  re- 

7et  there  are  only 

derable  scarcity  in 


Appendix, 


439 


ssociation. 

.tion  was  incorpo- 
rate of  New  York, 
^,  Laws  of  1859. 
"ollows  : 

Wilcox  and  their 
and  politic,  by  the 
ument  Association, 

suiBScient  real  and 
ot  in  town  of  Sara- 
irgoyne  surrendered 

the  trustees  here- 
,  a  monument  com- 
ided  in  Burgoyne's 
October,  seventeen 

till   to   be   seen,   beajs   the 


Section  four  of  the  act  named  the  first  Board  of  Trus- 
tees, but  it  was  amended  April  30th,  1873,  ay  ^"mIIows  : 
"Sec.  IV.  The  First  Board  of  Trustees  shaii  consist 
of  Hamilton  Fish  and  William  L.  Stone  of  the  city  of 
New  York  \  Horatio  Seymour  of  Utica  ;  Benson  J, 
Lossing  of  Poughkeepsie  ;  A  sa  C.  Tefft  of  Fort  Edward  ; 
John  A.  Corey  of  Saratoga  Springs,  and  Charles  H. 
Payne  of  Saratoga." 

Since  the  passage  ol  this  act,  Corey  has  died,  and  Mr. 
Fish    has   resigned,  and   John  V.   L.  Pruyn  of  Albany, 
Daniel  A.  BuUard  of  Schuylerville,  and  E.  W.  B.  Can- 
ing of  New  York  rity  have  been  elected  trustees.     The 
appropriation  toward  the  erection  of  the  Saratoga  monu- 
ment by  the  N.  Y.  legislature  of  1874  (Laws  of   1874, 
Chap.  323,  page  387)  was  made  in  the  following  form  : 
"  Whenever  it  shall  be  made  satisfactorily  to  appear  to 
the  comptroller  of  the  state  that  the  Saratoga  Monument 
Association  has  fixed  and  determined  upon  a  plan  for  a 
monument,  to  be  erected  at  Schuylerville,  Saratoga  Co., 
in  commemoration  of  the  battle  of  Saratoga,  and  that  it 
will    not  cost  to  exceed  five  hundred  thousand,  nor  less 
than  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  to  erect  and  com- 
plete such  monument  upon  such  plan,  and  that  the  asso- 
ciation has  received  and  paid  over  to  the  treasurer  from 
private  subscriptions  and  donations,  made  by  the  United 
States  or  state  governments  of  states,  at  least  a  sufficient 
sum  with  the  amount   hereby  specified  to  complete  said 
monument  upon  such  plans,  then  the  state  of  New  York 
will  pay  and  contribute  by  appropriation  of  the   public 
moneys,  the  sum  of  $50,000  to  aid  in  the  construction 


440      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

of  such  monument,  and  the  faith  of  the  state  is  hereby 
pledged  to  such  purpose  upon  such  conditions.  The 
plans  and  estimates  of  ihe  cost  of  said  monument  afore- 
said, shall  be  subniitted  to  '  pproved  by  the  governor 
and  the  comptroller  of  this  state,  and  the  comptroller  of 
this  state  is  hereby  made  the  treasurer  of  said  Monument 
Association.  The  plans  so  fixed  and  adopted  as  afore- 
said, shall  not  thereafter  be  changed  without  the  consent 
of  the  governor  and  comptroller,  nor  so  as  to  increase 
the  cost  of  said  monument. 

Officers  ol*  the  Sarjitogji  Monument  Association. 

President^     Horatio  Seymour,     Utica,  N.  Y. 
V'tce-Pres.^  J.  V.  L.  Pruyn,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Vlce-Pres.^  James  M.  Marvin,     Sar.  Springs,  N.  Y. 
Secretary  ^    Wm.  L.  Stone,  New  York  City. 

Cor.  Sec^y^   Ed.W.  B.  Canning,  Stockbridge,  Mass. 
Treasurer^    Daniel  A.  Bullard,  Schuylerville,  N.  Y. 

STANDING    COMMITTEES. 

Committee  on  Design. 

William  L.  Stone,  Charles  H.  Payn, 

E.  W.  B.  Canning,  James  M.  Marvin, 

Leroy  Mowry. 

Committee  on  Location, 

Asa  C.  Tefft,  Charles  H.  Payn, 

E.  F.  Bullard. 

Building  Committee, 

Charles  H.  Payn,  Leroy  Mowry, 

Asa  C.  Tefft,  William  L.  Stone. 


\urgoyne* 

le  state  is  hereby 
:onditions.  The 
monument  afore- 
\  by  the  governor 
he  comptroller  of 
if  said  Monument 
adopted  as  afore- 
ithout  the  consent 
so  as   to  increase 

it  Associiitioii. 

ca,  N.  Y. 


>any, 


N.  Y. 


.  Springs,  N.  Y. 
^w  York  City. 
»ckbridge,  Mass. 
huylerville,  N.  Y. 


EES. 


t. 


1  H.  Payn, 
[.  Marvin, 

w. 

s  H,  Payn, 

e. 
VIOWRY, 

M  L.  Stone. 


Appendix.  441 

Executive  Committee^ 

Leroy  Mowry,  Charles  H.  Payn, 

James  M.  Marvin,  Daniel  A.  Bullard. 

Advisory  Committee, 
Edward  F.  Bullard,        Saratoga  Springs, 
P.  C.  Ford,  Schuylerville,  N.  Y. 

B.  W.  Throckmorton,     New  York  City. 
Oscar  Frisbie,  "         "         " 

The  following  affidavits  were  made  by  two  of  the 
oldest  inhabitants  of  Schuylerville  for  the  use  of  the 
Senate  Committee  having  the  Saratoga  monument  under 
consideration ;  as  they  throw  light  on  the  surrender 
ground  they  are  here  given  :^ 


'  In  speaking  of  these  two  persons,  Mrs.  Walworth,  in  her  entertaining 
and  valuable  Guide  Book  to  the  battle  ground,  says  : 

"  I  have  had   the  pleasure  of  conversing  with  these  old   men,  and  can 
bear  witness  to  the  clearness  and  readiness  of  their  memory. 

"  Mr.  Clements  is  exceedingly  interesting,  and  a  man  of  some  attainments. 
He  has  been  a  civil  engineer,  and  told  me  that  he  had  surveyed  the  first 
lots  that  were  laid  out  in  Schuylerville,  Philip  Schuyler,  grandson  of  the 
general,  and  Mr.  Beadle,  who  afterwards  laid  out  the  village  of  West  Troy 
carrying  the  chain.  Mr.  Clements  also  said  he  had  made  the  survey  that 
Settled  the  disputed  line  between  the  towns  of  Northumberland  and  Sara- 
toga, and  a  curious  incident  enabled  him  to  verify  his  work.  He  found  the 
old  survey  mark  in  a  log  of  yellow  pine  (known  to  be  very  durable)  under 
ground,  and  corresponding  with  his  own  lines. 

"  Mr.  McCreedy  is  one  of  four  generations  who  have  fought  in  the  various 

[wars  of  the  country.     His  father  and    grandfather  were   in    the  battles  of 

[Saratoga,*  he  fought  in  the  battle  of  Plattsburgh  in  the  war  of  i8i2,  and 

is  son  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war.     His  wife,  who  is  near  his  own 

ge,  and  has  lived  with   him   sixty  years,   is  a  very  bright  old   lady.     She 

ives  a  vivid   account  of  a  fourth    of  July  celebration  that   took  place  at 

38 


4.42      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 


State  of  New  York,  ) 

\  ss. 
County  of  Saratoga.    J 

Albert  Clements,  being  duly  sworn,  deposes  and  says : 
I  reside  in  the  town  of  Saratoga,  in  said  county,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  village  of  Schuylerville,  and  have  resided 
there  since  the  year  1789  —  am  now  ninety-five  years 
of  age.  I  came  to  this  town  from  Dutchess  county. 
Abraham  Marshall  was  residing  here  then  on  the  farm 
now  occupied  by  his  grandson,  William  Marshall.  I 
heard  him  (Abraham)  sav  that  he  witnessed  the  surrender 
of  Burgoyne's  army  ;  that  the  British  army  marched 
down  below  the  gravel  hill  located  en  the  west  side  of 
the  river  road,  south  of  Fish  creek,  and  Burgoyne  there 
surrendered  his  sword.  I  have  frequently  heard  soldiers 
who  were  in  Gates's  army  tell  the  following  incident  '• 
After  the  retreat  of  the  British  army  from  Stillwater 
towards  Schuylerville,  the  American  army  pursued  them 
as  far  as  a  hill  on  the  south  bank  of  Fish  creek,  nearly 
opposite  the  village  of  Victory,  and  there  erected  a  bat- 
tery, and  fired  their  guns  towards  the  point  on  the  north 
side  of  the  creek,  where  Burgoyne  happened  to  be  at  the 
table  eating,  and  a  ball  came  on  the  table  and  knocked 
off  a  leg  of  mutton. 

I  remember,  when  I  was  a  boy,  of  seeing  breastworks 
extending  as  much  as  a  quarter  of  a  mile  m  length  along 


Schuylerville  fifty-five  years  ago,  when  the  veterans  of  the  Revolution  had 
a  banquet  spread  for  them  on  the  plain  before  Fort  Hardy,  where  the  British 
Stacked  their  arms.  She  says  the  old  men  were  very  spry  on  that  day, 
and  that  there  was  then  assembled  the  largest  crowd  of  people  ever  gathered 
at  Schuylerville." 


n  Burgoyne. 


Appendix. 


443 


n,  deposes  and  says : 

said  county,  in  the 

ie,  and  have  resided 

>w  ninety-five   years 

1    Dutchess  county. 

re  then  on  the  farm 

illiam   Marshall.     I 

nessed  the  surrender 

tish   army   marched 

on  the  west  side  of 

and  Burgoyne  there 

lently  heard  soldiers 

following  incident : 

my  from    Stillwater 

army  pursued  them 

Fish  creek,  nearly 

there  erected  a  bat- 

;  point  on  the  north 

ppened  to  be  at  the 

table  and  knocked 

seeing  breastworks 
nile  m  length  along 

ns  of  the  Revolution  had 
Hardy,  where  the  British 
re  very  spry  on  that  day, 
vd  of  people  ever  gathered 


th*^  hill  where  Prospect  Hill  cemetery  now  is  located,  in 
the  direction  of  the  road  just  west  of  the  cemetery.  I 
assisted  in  tearing  them  down.  They  were  made  of 
pine  logs  and  earth.  1  ploughed  up  a  cartridge  box  con- 
taining about  sixty  musket  halls. 

I  remember  the  old  Dutch  Church,  which  stood  on  the 
south  side  of  the  road  now  runnirig  from  the  river  road 
to  Victory  ;  I  frequcntlv  attended  meeting  there.  It 
was  a  wooden  structure,  licavy  timbers  and  clap-boarded. 

There  were  no  other  buildings  on  the  south  side  of 
the  creek  except  General  Schuyler's  mansion,  and  only 
two  on  the  north  side  at  that  tim^. 

I  visited  General  Schuyler's  mansion  when  he  was 
there  ;   I  saw  him  signing  deeds  or  leases. 

Albert  Clements. 
Sworn  to  before  me  April  13th,  1877. 

S.  Wells,  Notary  Public, 
State  of  New  York,  1 

Saratoga  County.         J 

William  H.  McCreedy,  being  duly  sworn,  deposes 
and  says  :  I  am  eighty-six  years  of  age  ;  now  reside  in 
the  village  of  Schuylerville,  in  said  county,  and  have 
there  resided  for  over  sixty  years  past.  I  remember  of 
hearins   mv  father   and   grandfather,  who  were  both   in 


^g 


g 


Gates's  army,  say  :  that  they  witnessed  Burgoyne's  sur- 
render ;  that  the  terms  of  the  surrender  were  signed 
under  the  Elm  tree  now  standing  on  the  east  side  of 
Broad  street,  in  Schuylei  ville,  between  the  feed  store  of 
Simon  Sheldon  and  the  blacksmith's  shop  adjoining  on 
the  south  ;  and  that  the  British  army  marched  down  the 


444      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne. 


river  road  just  below  Gravel  hill,  souih  of  Fish  creek, 
and  surrendered. 

I  remember  seeing  breastworks,  extending  north  and 
south,  on  the  river  flats  between  the  village  and  the 
river.  I  dug  up  five  cannon  balls  there  some  fifty  years 
ago.  I  visited  old  General  Schuyler  at  his  mansion 
several  times.  I  dined  there  on  one  occasion  ;  and  after 
finishing  my  meal,  the  old  general  asked  me  if  I  had 
eaten  enough.  I  answered  that  T  had  eaten  all  that  I 
wanted,  and  he  replied  :  "  If  you  have,  knock  out  your 
teeth." 

My  grandfather,  Charles  McCreedy,  and  father,  James 

McCreedy,  were   both    in   the  engagements    fought   at 

Bemis's  heights,  September  19th,  and  October  7th,  1777. 

They  told   me  that  General  Gates's  headquarters  were 

south  of  the  old  Dutch  Church,  and  were  present  at  the 

surrender ;  and  that   the  old   turnpike   road   was  about 

where  the  canal  now  is. 

William  H.  McCreedy. 

Sworn  before  me,  April  13th,  1877. 

S.  Wells,  Notary  Public. 


;(■  . 


Burgoyne. 

uili  of  Fish  creek, 

(tending  north  and 
h.'  village  and  the 
Me  some  fifty  years 
er  at  his  mansion 
Dccasion  ;  and  after 
asked  me  if  I  had 
ad  eaten  all  that  I 
ve,  knock  out  your 

y,  and  father,  James 
gements  fought  at 
October  7th,  1777. 
5  headquarters  were 
were  present  at  the 
ke   road  was  about 

H.  McCreedy. 

ril  13th,  1877.^ 
s,  Notary  Public. 


Appendix. 


No.  XIX. 


445 


The  principal  authorities  consulted  in  the  preparation 
of  this  volume  —  many  of  them,  on  this  subject,  intrin- 
sically valueless — are,  besides  the  Reidesel  and  Bruns- 
wick Journals,  the  following : 

Gen.   Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Philadelphia,    l8l6. 

Lamb's  Journal  of  Occurrences  during  the  late  American   War,  to  the  year 

1783;  by  R.  Lamb,  sergeant  in   the   Royal   Welsh   Fusileers,   Dublin, 

1809. 
Anbury's  Letters,  London,  1791. 
Allen's  Biographical  Dictionary. 
Macau  ley's  History  of  Neiv  Tork. 
Barber's  Historical  Collections. 
Stedman's  History   of  the  American  War. 
Holden's  History  of  the  Toivn  of  ^eensbury. 
Fonblanque's  Life  of  Gen.  Burgoyne,  London,  1876. 
Silliman's   Tour. 
Dwight's  Travels. 
Carrington's  J9arr/«   of  America  ;   by    Henry   B.  Carrington,   Bvt.   Brig. 

General,    U.    S.    A.,    and    Professor  of  Military   Science    at    Wabash 

University.     A.  L.  Barnes  &  Co.,  New  York,  1876. 
Stone's  Life  of  Brant  (Thayendanegea), 
Bancroft's  History  of  the  United  States,  vol.  ix. 
Irving's  Life  of  Washington. 
Ramsay's  History  of  the  Revolution. 
Sparks's  American  Biography. 
LossxNG  s  Field  Book  of  the  Revolution. 
Garden's  American  Revolution. 
Thatcher's  Military  Journal. 
Marshall's  Washington. 
Dwight's  Summer  Tours. 

Visit  to  the  Battle  Ground  in  1789  5  by  Mrs.  Theodore  Dwight. 
Botta's  History  of  the  War  of  the  Independence  of  the    United  States. 
Trumbull's  Reminiscences  of  bis  own  Times. 
J.  Watts  DePeyster's  Justice  to  Schuyler. 


44^       Campaign  j '  General  John  Burgoyne. 

The  History  of  the  War  in  America  betivccn  Great  Britain  and  ber    Colonies^ 
from    its    Commencement   to   the   End   of  the    Tear    1778,    Dublin,    1779. 
Chapters    xiv,    xv,  pp.    270-315,  especially    281,   284-5,   ^9'>   ^95"^» 
310,  etc. 

Charles  Smith's  American  fVar^  New  York,  1797. 

Creasy's  Fifteen  Decisive  Battles  of  the  fVorld,  from  Marathon  to  Water- 
loo^ 15th  Ed.,  1866,  chap.  XIII  —  Saratoga  particularly  Note  i,  page 
467-8. 

Ch>^ ri.es  Neilson's  Original^  compiled  and  corrected  Account  of  Burgoyne^i 
Campaign^  etc..  etc.,  Albany;   printed  by  J.  Munscll,   1 844. 

James  Graham's  IJf'e  of  Gen.  Daniel  Alorgan,  etc.,  etc.,  New  York. 
Derby  &  Jackson,  119  Nassau  street,  1856. 

John  Andrews's  Histury  of  the  War  luith  America,  France,  etc.,  London, 
1786.  II,  Chapter  xxviii,  388,  389,  390,  392,  394,  395,  402,  407, 
408,  410. 

William  Dunlap's  History  of  Neiv  York,  for  Schools,  vol.  'i,  p.  169. 
New  York,  1837. 

Kapt's  Life  of  ISteuben^  page  343. 

American  AUlitary  Biography,  2d  Ed.,  page  171. 
Dawson's  Battles  of  the  United  States,  I,  289. 

RouERT  Tomes'  (M.  D.)  Battles  (f  America,  Virtue   &   Co.,    New   York. 
Part  III,  pages   480-1,    486-9;    500-1,    509,    etc..    516,    etc.      Part   iv, 
Chapter  lxxxiii,  Camden,  S.  C. 
History  of  Lit'ingston  County,  N.  T.,  Lockwood  L.  Doty  (Gates's  Insubor- 
dination), page  I  56. 

Lossing's  Life  of  Schuyler.     (New  York  Society  Libr;'ry.) 

P.  Stansbury's  Pedestrian  Tour  in  North  America,  prepared  in  the  Autumn 
of  iS 21  (relating  to  the  Battle  fields  of  Saratoga)  ;  l2mo..  New  York 
1822.     (N.  Y.  H.  S.) 

Gordon's   Ga-zetteer. 

Spafforp's   Ga-z-ettcer. 

Holmes's  Annals. 

Lamb's  Journal  cf  Occurrences  in  America,  Dublin,  1809. 

Memoirs  of  his  oivn  Life .  by  R.  Lamb,  Dublin,  181 1. 

Remembrancer  of  Public  E-vents,  1775-83,  London,  1784. 

Belknap's  Neiv  Hampshire. 

Campbell's  Tryon  County. 


Burgoyne. 


Appendix, 


447 


Brifain  ami  her  Co/onirs, 
ir  1778,  Dublin,  1779. 
^i,  284-5,  29'.  ^95-^ 

)7- 

■om   Marathon   to    IVater- 

particularly   Note    i,  page 

ud  Account  of  Burgoyne'i 

unscll,   1844. 

,   etc.,   etc.,    New    York. 

ica,  France,  etc.,  London, 
n,  394'   39 5»  4o^>  4^7, 

Schools,    vol.    'I,  p.    169. 


rtue   &   Co.,   New  York, 
tc.    516,   etc.      Part   iv, 

L.  Doty  (Gates's  Insubor- 

ibr;>ry.) 
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)ga)  j    i2mo..  New  York 


n,  1809. 
1811. 

on,  1784. 


Watson's  AJen  and  Times  of  the  Renjolution. 

Dl'NLAp's  History  of  Neiv    York. 

Brunsiuick  Magaxinc,  No.  xi. 

W/aKkkiki.d's  Letters  from  America,  I  8  19. 

SiMMs's   T<apper$   of  Neiv    York. 

Life  of  Morgan  Leiuis,  in  Jenkins's  Li-ves  of  the  Governors  of  Neiv  York. 

Sketch  of  Charles  de  Langlade,  in  vol.  vii  of  fVisconsin  Historical  Collec- 
tions. 

Green's  German  Element  in  the  War  of  American  Independence,    /s 

Tii.GH man's  yournal. 

Moore's  Diary  of  the  American  Re-volution. 

De  Costa's  Lake  George. 

Life  of  Peter  Van  Schaick. 

Wii.sun's  Life  of  'fane  AicCrea. 

Tr,ii'els  in  Ameriea  in  1795  of  the  Duke  de  la  Rochefoucauld-Liancourt. 

The  Gates  Papers  in  the  New  York  Historical  Society. 

Nii.Ks's    Register. 

Botta's  American  Revolution. 

Gentleman^  Aiagaxine. 

Remarks  on  Gen.  Burgoyne's  State  of  the   Expedition.     London,    J.    Wilkie 
1780. 

Letter  to  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne,  on  his  Letter  to  his  Constituents.  London  • 
T.  Becket,  1779. 

A  Reply  to  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne^s  Letter  to  his  Comtituents.  London  :  J. 
Wilkie,  1779. 

Burgoynr's  State  of  the  Expedition  from  Canada,  as  laid  before  the  House 
of  Commons,  by  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne,  and  verified  by  evidence  5  with 
■■\  collection  of  authentic  documents,  and  an  addition  of  many  circum- 
stances which  were  prevented  from  appearing  before  the  House.  Lon- 
don :   J.  Almon,  1780. 

A  Supplement  to  the  State  of  the  Expedition  from  Canada,  containing  Gen. 
Burgoyne's  Orders,  respecting  the  principal  Movements  and  Operations 
of  the  Army  to  the  raising  of  the  Siege  of  Ticonderoga. 

A  Letter  to  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne,  occasioned  by  a  second  edition  of  hi^ 
State  of  the  Expedition  from  Canada.      London  :    G.  Kearsley,    1780. 

Orderly  Book  of  Lieut.  Gen.  "John  Burgoyne,  from  his  entry  into  the  State 
of  New  York  until  his  Surrender  at  Saratoga,   i6th  Oct.,  1777.      From 


44^      Campaign  of  General  John  Burgoyne, 

the  original  manuscript  deposited  at  Washington's  Headquarters,  New- 
burgh,  N.  Y.,  map,  portraits,  and  fac-simile.  Edited  by  E.  B.  O'Cal- 
laghan,  i860,  in  Munsell's  Historical  Series. 

D.  Wilson's  Life  of  Jane  McCrea,  with  an  account  of  Burgoyne's  Ex- 
pedition in  1777.     By  D.  Wilson,  New  York,  1853. 

u4n  Enquiry  into,  and  Remarks  upon  the  Conduct  of  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne, 
The  plan  of  operation  for  the  campaign  of  1777,  the  instructions  from 
the  secre'ary  of  state,  and  the  circumstances  that  led  to  the  loss  of  the 
northern  army.      London  :  J,   Matthews,   1780. 

Essay  on  Modern  Martyrsy  with  a  letter  to  Gen.  Burgoyne.  London  : 
Payne,  1780. 

Dramatic  and  Poetical  Works  of  the  late  Lieut.  Gen.  John  Burgoyne; 
to  which  )S  prefixed  memoirs  of  the  author,  embellished  with  copper 
plates.     London  :   C.  Whittingham,  1808. 

The  Substance  of  Gen.  Burgoyne'' s  Speeches,  on  Mr.  Vyner'^s  Motion,  on  the 
z6th  of  May  y  and  upon  Mr.  Hartley^  Motion,  on  the  iSth  of  May, 
i7jS.  With  an  appendix,  containing  Gen.  Washington's  letter  to 
Gen.  Burgoyne,  etc.     London  :  J.  Almon,  1778. 

j4  Brief  Examination  of  the  Plan  and  Conduct  of  the  Northern  Expedition 
in  America  in  I'J'J'J.  And  of  the  surrender  of  the  army  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne.     London,  1779. 

A  Letter  from  Lieut.  Gen.  Burgoyne  to  his  Constituents,  upon  his  late  Resig- 
nation ;  with  the  correspondence  between  the  secretaries  of  war  and 
him,  relative  to  his  return  to  America.     London  :  J.  Almon,  1779. 

Travels  in  North  America,  by  the  Marciuis  de  Chastellux,  London,  1 787. 


Burgoyne, 

)n's  Headquarters,  New- 
idited  by  E.  B.  O'Cal- 


ount  of  Burgoyne's  Ex- 

1853- 

f  Lieut.   Gen.    Burgoyne. 

7,   the   instructions   from 

at  led  to  the   loss  of  the 

:n.    Burgoyne       London  : 

.   Gen.    John   Burgoyne; 
embellished  with  copper 

r.    Vytieri  Motion^  on   the 

)«,   on    (be   2Stb   of  May^ 

Washington's   letter   to 

778. 

^    the  Northern   Expedition 

the  army  under  the  com- 

79-  ' 

lentHj   upon  his  late  Resig- 

he  secretaries  of  war  and 

on  :  J.  Almon,  1779. 

ASTELLUX,  London,  1787. 


INDEX. 


Abercrombie'sdefeat,l4;  wagons  cap- 
tured, 360. 

Ackland,  major  John  Dyke,  1 1, 
323;  described,  83;  accident 
to,  83;  wounded,  58,  60; 
killed,  86,  331  ;  his  position  in 
the  march,  44  ;   his  grenadiers, 

275- 
Ackland,  Lady  Hartiet,  75,  83,  333, 

335  ;      visits    American    camp, 

84;   insane,  86;   married   Bru- 

denell,    86;  account    of,   331; 

died,  332. 

Adams,  col.,  killed,  402. 

Albany,  tories  executed  at,  243, 

Allen,  capt.,  175. 

Allen,  Ethan,  proposals  for  ex- 
change of,  736. 

Allen,  Rev.,  anecdote  of,  232. 

Ambuscade  near  Fort  Stanwix,  177. 

American  army  at  Ticondeioga,  14; 
lacked  force  to  man  the  de- 
fences, 15;  number  of,  iio, 
114;  sufferings  of,  401  ;  shout- 
ing heard  in,  54;  riflemen, 
their  execution,  10. 

Ancrom,  major,  200. 

Andiatarocte  island,  410. 

Anstruther,   It.    col.,    44,   ^8,   343. 

Armstrong,  major,  defanies  Arnold, 
68. 

Ament,  ensign,  175. 

Arnold,  16;  volunteer  to  Fort  Stan- 
wix, 272;  sent  to  relieve  Ganse- 
voort,  208;  his  rus:-,  211  ; 
pursues  St.  Leger,  218  ;  at  head 
of  Continentals,  63,  65  ;  his 
conduct  in  battle,  67,  68,  325  ; 


Arnold,  engages  whole  British  force, 
46;  his  horse  killed,  66,  375  ; 
wounded,  66 ;  joined  Gates, 
40  ;  points  out  Fraser  to  Mor- 
gan, 325  ;  to  be  provided  against, 
284;  dismissed  by  Gates,  371  ; 
altercation  with  Balcarras,  371. 

Artillery  captured,  46  ;  horse  em- 
ployed, 276;   N.  Y.   brass,  25. 

Anburey,  Thomas,  il;  350,  360, 
410;  his  Travels,  398;  on  de- 
portment of  the   captors,    II7. 

Bacon,  Wm.  J.,  dedication  to,  3. 

Badlam,  major,  175. 

Baggage  trains  loaded  up  for  retreat, 

70- 
Bailey,  ensign,  175. 

Bailey,  gen,,  376. 

Bakatras,  major,  10;  attacked,  61, 
63;  his  camp  taken,  398; 
his  narrow  escape,  14;  his  posi- 
tion in  the  march,  54;  his 
testimony,  402  ;   his  grenadiers, 

275- 
Ball,  lieut.,  175. 

Ballads  of  Burgoyne's  expedition,  41 3. 

Ballston,  loyalist  insurrection  in,  144. 

Barker,  Peter,  328. 

Barker's  tavern,  315. 

Barn  containing  six  pound  ball,  391. 

Barner,  Major,  33. 

Bartlett,  Dr.   John,  307,  309. 

Bateaux  captured,  90,  93  ;  their  lo- 
cation, 38. 

Batten  kil,  battery  at  98  ;  design  of 
retreat  to,  56;  encampment  at, 

237} 


4SO 


Index. 


Batten  kil,  occupied    by    the  Ameri- 
cans, 88  ;  passed,  376  ;  route  to 
Arlington,  278  ;  view  on,  378, 

Battle  ground  described,  370. 

Battle  of'  19th  Sept.,  45,  49;  7th 
October,  57. 

Battle  of  Saratoga,  one  ot  the  fifteen 
decisive  battles,    1  32. 

Baum,  Col.,  129;  detached,  232; 
sent  to  Bennington,  29,  30  5 
ruse  practiced  upon,  31  j  his 
instructions,  277  ;  failure  of,  its 
effect,  173;  skirmish  of,  299; 
'  .\-oundcd,  325  house  in  which 
he  died,  34. 

Baxter  boys,  suspected,  272. 

Beadle,  laid  out  West  Troy,  441. 

Belknap's  New  Hampshiie,  42. 

Bellinger,  Lieut.  Col.,  189,  199} 
Samuel,  killed,   189. 

Bemis's  heights,  attack  threatened, 
321  5  Gates  occupies,  39  j  not 
the    battle  field,   70,    71. 

Bennington,  battle  of,  232  5  narrative 
of,  286,  29 T  J  expedition, 
failure  of,  35. 

Berkshire  incident,  301  ;  volunteers, 
anecdote  of,  242. 

Bird,  lieut.,  his  diary.  154. 

Blauvelt,  major,  killed,  198. 

Bleecker,  capt.,  175. 

Blockhouses  built,  261. 

Bloodgood,  S.  D.  W.,  245. 

Bloody  pond,  236. 

Bogardus,  lieut.,  175. 

Boston,  British  marched  to,  116. 

Bottles,  found  at  headquarters,  53. 

Bouck,  Wm.  C,  251. 

Bowman,  Jacob,  killed,  189. 

Braddock,  his  defeat  planned  by 
Langlade,  1 1. 

Bradley,  commodore,  158. 

Brant,  Joseph,  169;  at  ambruscade, 
177  }  leader  of  St.  Leger's  Indi- 
ans, 153  J   Life  of,  139. 

Brass    cannons  captured,   35  j    their 
vicissitudes,  35  ;   note. 

Brattleboro,  expedition  to,  279. 


Breadbeg,  John,  wounded,  186. 

Brent  Richard,  385 

Breymann,  lieut.  col.,  10,  13  j  sent 
to  aid  Baum,  325  retreats  by 
"'S^'fj  33  5  reinforcements  of, 
233;  his  conini:ind,  276;  his 
position  in  tiic  march,  44. 

Breymann's  hill  64;  breastwork, 
64;     entrenchments  still   to  be 


seen. 


5-- 


Breymann,  killed,  6^,  375. 

Bridge,  of  Sr.  Luke,  298  5  scouting 
party  at,  299  j  at  Saratoga  falls, 
37  J  boats,  412  j  of  boars  cut 
loose,   320. 

Brisbin,   fames,  358. 

British  army,  its  superiority,  105   in- 
vested   Ticonderoga.     135    how 
disposed    at   Crown  point,    135 
occupy  Ticonderoga,  18;  crossed 
the  Hudson,  37  ;   its  entrench- 
ments, remains  of,  37  ;  strength 
of  force,    38;   order   of  march, 
44  5     forward    movement     sig- 
nalled, 45  ;   route  of  army,  45  j 
artillery  captured.    46;   loss    of 
first  battle,  49,  50  ;   reconnois- 
sance   brings  on    battle    of   7th 
Oct.,   57  ;  seized   with   dismay 
at  fall  of  Fraser,  62  ;   reti  eat  of, 
62,  72  j  provisions  short,  72  ;  re- 
treat begun,  72,  74;  'Uscovered 
under   arms,    90  5     trap   sprung 
upon,   92  ;     distressed    state    of 
the  army,  93,    96,  completel 
invested,  98  ;   capitulates,  1 10 
retained      as     prisoners,      112 
piled    their    arms,    115,     121 
took  up  its    march   to   Boston 
116;   standards  captured,   194 
provisions   captured,   238 ;    ad 
vanced  pickets   captured,   245 
force  of,  276;   in  line  of  battle 
322  ;   incident  of,  346  ;   his  ac 
count    of  the    attack   on    Dia 
mond  island,  349  ;  Indian  allies 
358;   to  join    Howe,    359;  at 
Crown  point,    359  ; 


Index, 


451 


hn,  wouniiol,  i^^, 

icut.  cul.,  10,  135  sent 
Baum,  3-5  rctre:its  by 
^-^  •  reinforcements  of, 
,\s\'onimand,  zy^'J  •^"'^ 
1  in  the  marcli,  44- 

hill      64  i     breastwork, 
ntrcncbments  still   to  be 

'killed,  6s,  37  5 • 

Sr.  Luke,    a<;8  \  souting 

It    ^99  5   at  Saratoga  falls, 

KUits,    4>-5   "f  ^"^^^^  ^'"^ 
320. 

nies,  358. 

,v,  its  superiority,  10  5  in- 
['Ticonderoga.  135  bow 
,ed  at  Crown  point,  13  \ 
iyTiconderoga,  18  5  crossed 

ludson,  37  5   'ts  entrench- 

s,  remains  of,  37  J  strengtb 

rce,    38;   order   of  march. 

forward    movement     sig- 

d,  45  5  '""^^  of  army,  45  J 
eJy  captured.    46  5  l"ss    of 
battle,  49.  5°  5  reconnois- 
brings  on   battle    of    7th 
cy  5   seized    with    dismay 
1  of  Fraser,  62  ;  reti  eat  of, 
-.  •  provisions  short,  72,  j  re- 
begun,  72,  745  'discovered 

r   arms,    90;     trap   sprung 
9-1  •     distressed    state    ot 
umyV93,    9^  ,  completely 
sted,  985  capitulates,  no; 
ned      as     prisoners,     lH) 
their    arms,    115,     12,1; 
up  its    march   to   Boston, 
I-   standards  captured,   194; 
lisions   captured,   238;    ad- 
Ted  pickets  captured,  245  ; 
L  of,  276;  in  line  of  battle, 
f.   incident  of,  346  5   i^'s  ac- 
\t    of  the    attack   on    Dia- 

Id  island,  349  5  1"'^'^"^^^'"', 
[5  to  join    Howe,   359;  ^^1 

m  point,    359  j 


British  army,  L.  nglade's  savages  at 
Skenesboro,  joo  \  force  of 
Canadians,  360J  stack  their 
arms,  378  5  camp  ground,  382  ; 
forded  the  creek,  383;  en- 
camped at  Saratoga  plain,  412  j 
retreat,  cry  of,  70. 

British  treasure,  search  for,  399  5 
camp,  preservation  of,  399. 

Brooks,  col.,  suggests  sending  Hon- 
Yost  to  St.  Leger,  416. 

Brookes's  regiment,  374  j  led  by 
Arnold,  375. 

Brookes,  lieut.    gov.,  64. 

Bronkaliorsc,  killed,  275. 

Brown,  col.  John,  attacks  Ticon- 
deroga,    346,    347,    348,    349, 

35^- 
Brudenell,    chaplain,    77,    85,    86  j 

marries  Harriet  Ackland,  332. 

Brunswick  Dragoons  described,  30; 
reduced  in  numbers,  16;  Jour- 
nal,37;  troups,Hank  defense, 64. 

Brunswickeis,  parting  volley,  66  ? 
captured  35;  under  l<.iedesel,20. 

Bryan,  Alexander,  scout,  40,  353. 

Buck  shot  used    by    Americans,    57, 

Bucl,  major  Ezra,  384,    388,  389, 

BuUard,  Daniel  A.,  440,  441. 

Bullard,  Edward  F.  441  j  his  ad- 
dress,   37o,_  377. 

Burgoyne,  the  disasters  of  liis  cam- 
paign ascribed    to   his   blunders, 

9  j  dissatisfied  with  his  subordi- 
nate   position    under    Carleton, 

10  ;  his  j^ '  in  for  success,  9  ;  his 
horse  in  Portugal,  10;  arrived 
in  Ouebec,  10  j  sailed  up  Cham- 
plain,  II;  encamped  at  Bou- 
quet.    II;    joined    by    Indians, 

1 1  ;  life  of  by  Fonblanque,  11  ; 
his  axiom,  that  the  army  must 
not  retreat,  12;  arrived  at  Ti- 
conderga,  14;  pursues  the  Ame- 
ricans by  water,  23  ;  at  Skenes- 
borougli,  24;  claims  victory  at 
Fort  Anne,  27  ;  arrives  at,  29  ; 
obstacles   to    his    progress,   29; 


Burgoyne,  incipient  step  to  his  defeat, 
31  ;  arrives  at  Fort  Edward,  36; 
arrives  at  Saratc'^^a,  37  ;  selects 
Schuyler's  hoi.se  as  head  quar- 
ters, 37  5  his  scouting  party, 
42  ;  ignorant  of  the  American 
movements,  43  ;  his  order  of 
march,  44;  rec'd  letter  from 
Clinton,  51;  his  headquarters 
after  the  19th  Sept.,  53;  his 
strength  reduced,  54;  rations 
cut  down,  55;  calls  council  of 
war,  56;  orders  retreat,  61; 
his  retreat  how  delayed,  71  j 
mistake  in  retreat,  80  ;  camp 
equipage  captureii,  82;  permits 
lady  Ackland  to  visit  American 
camji,  84;  at  Schuyler's  man- 
sion, 86  ;  'his  mistress,  87  ;  ac- 
cused by  Mad.  Riedesel  of  burn- 
ing Schuyler's  mansion,  88  ; 
said  by  Lamb  to  hive  been  ac- 
cidental, 88  ;  opens  road  to  Fort 
Edward,  89  ;  responds  to  ap- 
peal of  Mad.  Riedesel,  96  ;  pro- 
poses expedients  to  his  oHicers, 
97  ;  orders  retreat,  98  ;  calls 
couii  il  of  officcis,  99;  human- 
ity oJ,  99  ;  declines  to  sign  the 
treaty,  109  ;  signs  articles,  i  10; 
introduced  to  Gates,  117,  118; 
his  approbation  of"  Gates's  con- 
duct to  the  captives,  122;  de- 
livers his  sword,  122;  testifies 
to  Schuyler's  magnanimity,!  24; 
his  former  reputation,  125;  at 
T  gus,  125;  a  sybarite,  126; 
afriljuies  his  fiilure  to  tlie  ad- 
ministration, 126;  Fonblanque's 
memoir  of,  126  ;  coldly  re- 
ceived in  England,  128;  vin- 
dicates himself,  128  ;  author  of 
comedies,  128;  dies,  128;  cut 
of  surrender  of  sword,  135  ;  in- 
telligence from  St.  Leger,  172J 
gets  supplies  from  Fort  George, 
172;  expedition  to  Bennington 
planned,  173  j 


452 


Index, 


Burgoyne,    anecdotes    of    his     cam 
paign,     225 ;     inhabitants    flee 
before      his     approach.      225  ; 
his  force  in  the  expedition,  257  ; 
Fonblanque's  memoir,  276  j  his 
instructions     to     Baum,     278  ; 
plunder   to  be  made,  280  ;  dra- 
goons   to     be    mounted,    283  ; 
"W  irner    expected     to    retreat, 
28^  ;  prisoners  to  be  made,  28  5  j 
boastful,   288  J   his   head  quar- 
ters, 315,  325;  entertained  by 
Schuyler,   318;   retreat  ordered 
and    countermanded,   321  ;   his 
reliance  on  Fraser,  32b  ;  vindi- 
cates his  policy,   347  ;  letter  to 
Gates  respecting   Harriet  Ack- 
land,    333,  336;   do  respecting 
burning  Schuyler's  house,  337  j 
his     relations    with     Langlade, 
358  ;   duped  by  Schuyler,  342  ; 
his  estimate  of  Indian  aid,  361  j 
attempt    to   justify    his    defeat, 
363  i     complains  of    Canadian 
aid,     364;   error  in     regard     to 
his  origin,    367  j  meets  Gates, 
379  >    proclamation,   vaunting, 
404;   clothing  perforated,  4045 
his  Itinerary,  ii;  retreat,  ii,i2. 

Burgoyne's  hill,  64. 

Butler,  col.,  140,  177  ;  John,  169  j 
messenger  to  the  fort,  200. 

Butler,  Walter  N.,  captured,  208  ; 
imprisoned  in  Albany,  209  j 
condemned,  213. 

Butler's  ruse,   182. 

Camden,  battle  of,  1315  Gates  at 
battle  of,  69. 

Canada,  Burgoyne's  communication 
with  cut  off,  55  ;  conquest  of, 
152;   by  English,   152,  153. 

Canadian  horses  purchased,  30  j  pro- 
vincials, 64,  65. 

Canadians  captured,  378  j  desert  Bur- 
goyne, 99 ;  reason  of,  99  ;  in 
the  army,  360;  their  position, 
44. 


Canajoharie,  197. 

Canning,  E.  W.  B.,  427,439,  440  j 

his  narrative,    301 
Cannon     taken     and    retaken,    595 

sworn  in,  395. 
Carillon,  troops  in,  436. 
Carleton,  sir  Guy,  superseded,   9. 
Cartridge  box  plowed  up,  443. 
Cassassenny,  Indian  castle,  140. 
Castleton,  retreat  to,  17,  19,   23. 
Cayugas  join  the  British,  191. 
Chase,  ensign,  175, 
Chemung,  battle  of,  192. 
Chestertown;  ancient  cabin    99. 
Chimney  point,  12. 
Claus,  col.  Daniel,  140. 
Cilley,  col.,  59 

Clerke,  SirF.,  wounded,  5  3 ;  di.  i,  63, 

69,    390  ;   his    drawing  of  the 

camp,  397,  398  ;   James,  44; 

killed,  276. 

Clements,   Albert.    441  ;   testimony 

of  the  surrender,  442. 
Clinton,  gov.  George,  258. 
Clinton,  Sir  Henry,  37,  51  ;  guarded, 
44;   news  from,    108;   ascends 
the  Hudson,  222. 
Cochran,    col.,    garrisons    Fort    Ed- 
ward,   89;     col.,     251;     died, 
254. 
Cohoes  Falls,  42. 
Colburn,  col.,  killed,  402. 
Connecticut     river,     expedition     to, 

279. 
Continentals  in  action,    47  j    where 

placed,  321. 
Conyne,  lieut,  175. 
Coon,  Mrs.  Hannah,   232;  escaped, 

234;  again  captured,  235. 
Copper  head  snake  venomous,  /^ll, 
Corey,  John  A.,  134. 
Cornwallis's  pursuit  of  Greene,  42. 
Council  of  war  called,  56. 
Coveville  (Dovogat),  British  at,  41, 

45- 
Cow  boys,  213,  237. 

Cox,  col.,  killed,   180;  regiment  of, 

174,  176. 


e,  I97> 

L  W.  B.,  4^7,439*  44°  J 

irrative,    301 

aken     and    retaken,    59  j 

>  in,  395- 
roops  in,  430. 
;tr  Guy,  superseded,   9. 
30X  plowed  up,  443* 
ly,  Indian  castle,  140. 
retreat  to,  17,  19,  ^3- 
)in  the  British,  191. 

sign,  175. 

,  battle  of,  I92._ 

A-n;  ancient  cabin,  99. 

point,  12. 

.  Daniel,  140- 

r*F.,  wounded,  53  jdi.i,  63, 
,90  j  his   drawing  of  the 
P,  397.  3985   J^'"^^'  +^5 
d,  276. 

,  Albert.    44i  5  testimony 
\e  surrender,  442,. 
gov.  George,  258. 
sirHenry,  37,  SMgu^'^'le^' 
news  from,   108  ;  ascends 

Hudson,  222. 

col.,    garrisons    Fort    Ed- 
\,   895     col.,     251  ;    died, 

alls,  ^^■ 

col.; killed,  402. 
tut     river,     expedition     to, 


Index. 


47  5 


where 


tais  in  action, 
:d,  321. 

lieut,  175-  , 

rs.  Hannah,   2325  escaped, 
;   again  captured,  235. 
lead  snake  venomous,  41  !• 

)hn  A.,  134- 

is's  pursuit  of  Greene,  42. 
)f  war  called,  56. 
(Dovogat),  British  at,  41, 

8,213,237.  . 

,,  killed,   180;  regiment  ot,| 

.,  176. 


453 


Creasy  sir  Edward,  132. 
Grouse,  Robert,  killed,  189. 
Crown  point  occupied,  125  described, 

12. 
Culloden,  battle  of,  75. 

Davis,  capt.  John,  180,  killed,   188. 
Dayton,  col.,   151. 
Dearborne,       major      Henry,      372. 
De  Fermoy,  fatal  act  of,  18,  35,  60, 

85- 
De  Peyster,  Captain,  358  j  J.  Watts, 

18. 
Delancey,  Edward,  99. 
Dennison,  ensign,  175. 
De  Ridder's  crossing,  257. 
Desertion  encouraged.  113. 
Diamond    island,    346,     349,    352, 

410  j   fight  at,  346. 
Diefendorf,  lieut.,  175. 
Dillenback,  capt.,  185  ;   killed,  189. 
Donop,  colonel,  76. 
Douglass,  lieut.,  killed,  15. 
Dovogat,    halt    at    in    retreat,     80 ; 

name  defined,  41,  42.  45. 
Dragoons,  form  the  van,    13  j   to  be 

compact,  281,  282. 
Draper,  Lyman  C,  368,  406. 
Drayton,  col.,  158. 
Duncan,    major,    at    Oswego,    152, 

153- 
Dunham,      capt.     Hezekiah,    264, 

357- 
Duplesse,  captain,  76. 

Dwight,  president,  164,  176;  Theo- 
dore, 72,  286. 
Dygert,  John,  killed,  189. 

Edgerton,     Eleazur,    his    feat,     299, 

300. 
Eisenlord,    major  John,  killed,  I09. 
Hells,  Nathaniel,  271. 
Elmore,  col.,  158. 
Embarkation  suspended,  it 3. 
Ensign,  Ezekiel,  240  ;  slore  of,   72. 
Errata,  12. 


Farmer  costume,  246 


Farms  settled  by  Germans,  99 

Faxon.  Charles  H.,  99. 

Fellov.s,  general,   80,   82;   his    bat 
teries,  94. 

Ferdinand,  prince,  ll. 

Fields,  T.  W.,  5. 

First  New  York  regiment,  25. 

Fish  creek,  315,  400;  forded,  8j 
location  of  surrender,  118} 
British  encamp  at,  37  5  horses 
captured  at,  2565  see  Fish  kil. 

Fish,  Hamilton,  134,  439. 

Fish  kil,  same  as  Fish  creek. 

Fitch,  Andrew,    380. 

Fitch,  Asa,  41. 

Flag,  American,  first  unfurled,  135; 
how  made,  168. 

Floating  bridge-,  18. 

Fonblanque,  his  life  of  Burgoyne,  II, 
88,  126,  332. 

Fonda,  Jellis,  169. 

Foraging    parties  sent  out,   55,    394. 

Forbes,  maji  r,  392. 

Forces  of  Americans,  no,  114. 

Ford,  P.  C,  141. 

Fort  Anne,  British  army  at,  29  j 
garrison  of,  437  ;  carrying  place, 
340;  retreat  to,  23,  545  testi- 
mony of  Capt.  Money,  and  Bur- 
goyne, 402. 

Fort  Carillon,   13, 

Fort  Clinton  captured  by  St.  Luc, 
160. 

Fort  Dayton,  174;  "Willet  arrived 
at,  207. 

Fort  Edward  abandoned,  36 ;  Col. 
Warner  at,  236  ;  defended, 
377;  garrisoned,  89;  held  by 
Starke,  92,  93  ;  Lamb  at,  407; 
retreat  to,  24  j  retreat  from, 
231  j  settled  by  Col.  Lydius, 
338;  why    named,  341,    343, 

344- 
Fort  George,    82,    336;  garrison   of 

437  ;   N.  Y.,  artillery  at,   25  ; 

condition  of,   28. 
Fort  Hardy,  316,  339,401 ;  account 

of,  115. 


39 


454 


Index, 


Fort  Independence,   13;  fired,   18. 

Fort  Lawrence,  257. 

Fort  Miller,  33,  85,  341  ;  journey 
from,  406. 

Fort  Nicholson,   339. 

Fort  St.  Frederick,  12;   built,  12. 

Fort  Schuyler  described,  159  } 
wretched  condition  of,  160  ;  see 
Fort  Stanwix. 

Fort  Stanwix,  344.  (same  as  Fort 
Schuyler) ;  ambush  near,  177; 
carrying  place,  197;  invested, 
158,  167  ;  siege  of,  271  ;  stars 
and  stripes  first  unfurled  at, 
135  J  flag  presented  135, 

Fort  Vaudreuil,  13. 

Fort  Wm.  Henry,  in  ruins,  407. 

Forts,  description  of,  434, 

Fowling  pieces  in  common  use,  246. 

Fox,  capt.  Christopher,  wounded, 
189. 

Francis,  colonel,  brings  off  the  rear 
guard  at  Ticonderoga,  19  ; 
killed,  20,  402. 

Fraser,  English  brigadier,  11,  12; 
of  houseofLovatt,  76;  at  head  of 
army,  322;  his  fall,  325; 
removal  of  remains,  328  ;  occu- 
pies Fort  Miller,  37  ;  his  bri- 
gade, 276  ;  his  position  in  the 
march,  44 ;  pursues  retreating 
army,  20  ;  wounded,  57,  61  } 
shot  by  Tim.  Murphy,  249 ; 
where  he  fell,  396  j  his  fall 
witnessed,  373  ;  doubts  of,  374  ; 
borne  off  the  field,  72  j  makes 
his  will,  74,  75  ;  funeral  77,  78  j 
his  request  for  burial,  75  ;  house 
in  which  he  died,  385  ;  site  of 
his  death,  318. 

Fraser's  grave,  location  of,  78  ;  his 
skill  in  retreat,    79  ;  view   of, 

397. 
Freeman's  farm,  64;  battle  of,  71; 

route     of   army     to,    45     46 ; 

wooded,  323  ;  battle,  324. 
French    lines,    434 ;  redoubt,    434. 
Freneau,  Philip,  420. 


Frey,  major,  captive,  199;  attempt 
to  kill  by  his  own  brother,  187^ 
wounded,  189. 

Friends,  hospitality  of,  408. 

Friends'  lake,  99. 

Frisbie,  Oscar,  441. 

Frontenac  landed   at   Oswego,    152. 

Furnival's  regiment,  372,  376. 

Gall,  German  brigadier,  1 1. 

Gansevoort,  Gen.,  135;  declines  to 
surrender,  200,  202,  2045  gen., 
158}  letter  to  Schuyler,  160, 
163;  his  speech,  165;  his 
force,  168;  papers,  151,  157, 
159,  164;  visits  Albany,  219; 
addresses  his  fellow  soldiers, 
220  }   promoted,  221. 

Gardenier,  capt.  Jacob,  183  ;  Wm., 
183,  185;  wounded,  189; 
lieut.,  Samuel,  wounded,   189. 

Garneau,  quoted,  360,  364. 

Gates,  correspondence  with  Burgoyne, 
335  ;  deserts  de  Kalb,  69;  su- 
persedes Schuyler,  39 ;  his  head 
quarters,  40  ;  his  head  quarters 
threatened,  71,  321;  his  mar- 
quee, its  location,  378  ;  mag- 
nanimity of  towards  captives, 
117,  121;  orders  cessation  of 
arms,  loi  ;  entertains  British 
generals,  121 ;  his  headquarters, 
122;  neglectful,  130;  died, 
131;  characteristics  of,  131; 
omits  to  acknowledge  important 
services,  356;  incapacity  of, 
128,  131;  disrespectful  to 
Washington,  130;  unfavorable 
conduct  of,  68  ;  his  controversy 
with  Gierke,  69. 

George  IV,  his  ecstacy  at  the  cap- 
ture of  Ticonderoga,  19. 

Germaine,  George,  11,  19,  363, 
403  ;  his  neglect  to  forward 
orders  to  Howe,  126,  127. 

German  chasseurs,  71  ;  colors  saved, 
116;     deserter's     cabin,     99;! 
I  fiats,  174,  197;  loyalists,  144; 


,  captive,    199;  attempt 

by  his  own  brother,  1875 

ed,  189. 

ipitality  of,  408. 

:e,  99. 

:ar,  441. 

anded   at    Oswego,    152. 

egiment,  372,  376. 


Index, 


455 


lan  brigadier,  ii. 
,  Gen.,  135  5  declines  to 
der,  200,202,  204;  gen., 
letter  to   Schuyler,    160, 
his    speech,     165;    his 
168  ;   papers,   151,    157) 
164}  visits  Albany,  219; 
ises    his    fellow    soldiers, 
promoted,  221. 
capt.  Jacob,  183  ;  Wm., 
185  ;     wounded,      189  j 
,  Samuel,  wounded,   189. 
juoted,  360,  364. 
espondencewith  Burgoyne, 
deserts  de  Kalb,  69  ;  su- 
^es  Schuyler,  39  ;  his  head 
rs,  40  5   his  head  quarters 
tened,  71,  321  ;  his  mar- 
its  location,   378  5  mag- 
nity    of  towards   captives, 
121  ;  orders   cessation   of 
loi  ;    entertains  British 
als,  121;  his  head  quarters, 
neglectful,     1 30  j     died, 
characteristics  of,     131 ; 
to  acknowledge  important 
tes,     3565    incapacity  of, 
131  j     disrespectful     to 
lington,  130;  unfavorable 
ict  of,  68  ;  his  controversy 
Gierke,  69. 

his  ecstacy  at  the  cap-| 
of  Tironderoga,  19. 

George,  li,  19,  363,! 
his  neglect  to  forward] 
s  to  Howe,  126,  127. 
hasseurs,  71  ;  colors  saved, 
deserter's  cabin,  99; 
i74i  197  )  loyalists,  144; 


German,  troops,  how  distributed,276; 

their  employment,  277;  women 

in  the  army,  255. 
Germans    cross    the    Hudson,    40 ; 

decline  to   desert,    1135   desert 

Burgoyne,  99  j  sustain  brunt  of 

action,  61. 
Glen's  falls,  343;  Am.,  camp  at,  92, 
Glover,  gen.,  90,  370;   his   brigade, 

63. 
Goodale,  gen.,  90. 
Grandy,  Mrs.,  232,  235. 
Grant,  maj.,  killed,  23. 
Graves,  capt.,  killed,  189. 
Great  Carrying  place,  340. 
Great  redoubt,  51;   attacked,   63. 
Green,  Charles,  269. 
Oregg,   captain   and    his    dog,    163, 

164. 
Grenadiers,    attack    with     bayonets. 

Groat,  lieut.,  missing,  189. 

Hagget,  lieut.,  mortally  wounded,  15. 

Hair,  lieut.,  155. 

Hale,  col.    Nathan,  vindicated,  22. 

Hale,  hon.  Robert  S.,  22, 

Hamilton,  English  brigadier,  u  ; 
his  brigade,  87,  276  j  his  posi- 
tion in  the  march,  44. 

Han-Yerry,  anecdote  of,  269. 

Hardin,  col.,  135. 

Harnage,  wounded,  49. 

Haskin's  place,  99, 

Hay,  judge,  303. 

Helmer,  Adam,  174. 

Helmer,  capt.  Frederic,  189. 

Herkimer,  gen.,  145,  146  j  issues 
proclamation,  148  j  summons 
military,  174;  accused  of  cow- 
ardice, 176;  ambushed,  177; 
wounded,  179  ;  line  of  battle 
badly  formed,  192;  died,  196, 
198;  his  origin,  1975  monu- 
ment ordered  to,  198  j  not  erect- 
ed,  199. 

Harvey,  general,  276;  lieut.,  hero- 
ism of,  48. 


Hesse-Hanau  regiment,  42,  254. 

Hessian  forces,  275  j  burial  ground, 
380. 

Hessians,  accompanied  by  tamed  ani- 
mals, 254;  characteristics  of, 
254  ;  posted  at  Bennington, 
286  }  total  defeat  of,  290 }  com- 
pelled to  retreat,  374 ;  over  es- 
timated, 64. 

Hill,  lieut.  col.,  24,  26. 

Hon-Yost,  see  Schuyler. 

Hoosac  river,  village  on,  298. 

Horses  purchased  in  Canada,  30. 

Hospital  hurrying  place,  38. 

Howe,  reasons  of  his  failure,  126, 
127. 

Hubbardton,  army  remains  at,  20  \ 
battle  of,  21,  23,  402. 

Hubbardton,  retreat  to,  19. 

Hudson  stream,   345. 

Hunt,  lieut.  col.,  killed,  189. 

Indians,  alarmed  by  Hon-Yost,  214  j 
captured,  368  ;  desert  Burgoyne, 
36,99;  reasons  of,  99;  friendly, 
159,  165  ;  hostile,  161  ;  gigan- 
tic, 255  ;  join  British  at  Skenes- 
boro,  360  J  join  Burgoyne,  11  j 
led  by  St  Luc  and  Langlade, 
II  }  restrained,  361  ;  their  line 
of  march,  153;  their  position, 
44  ;  to  invade  Fort  Schuyler, 
140;  vengeance  threatened, 
205}  killed  at  Oriskany,   191, 

f95; 
Iron  chain,  14. 

Irwine,  George,    350. 

Jackson,  col.,  64. 

Jay,  John,  letter  to  Gov.  Morris, 
142. 

Jemison,  Mary,  191,  192. 

Jogues,   Father,  409. 

Johnson,  capt.,  175. 

Johnson,  col.  John,  140,  169,1175 
his  regiment,  193  \  spoil  of  his 
camp,  194;  companies,  374. 

Johnson,  Sir  William,  36. 


4S6 


Index. 


Johnstown,  Catholic  tories,  144. 
Jones,    capt.,    killed,    49;  surgeon, 
wounded,  94,  3  i6. 

Kalb,  de,  deserted  by  Gates,  69. 
Kalm,  criticise  Am.  forts,  343. 
Killed,  how  buried,  66, 
Kingston,  colonel,   adjt.    gen.,    10  ; 

sent  to  propose  cessation  of  arms, 

100;   blindfolded,  lOO. 
Kirkland,  Rev.,  his  report,  216, 
Kleprattle,      major     Enos,      killed, 

189. 
Klock,  regiment  of  .'74. 
Kosciusko,  engineer,  4vJ,  437  ;  battle 

ground  selected  by,  370. 
Kroonpunt,  12. 

Lake  George,  344;  its  altitude, 
409;  Oswego  bass  in,  409; 
portage,  14;  outlet,  15. 

Lake  Sacrament,  409. 

Lakes,  entrance  to,  152. 

Lamb,  73  ;  claims  the  burning  of 
Schuyler  mansion  to  have  been 
accidental,  88  \  his  adventure, 
412;  Serjeant,  statement  of, 
333  ;  serjt.,  his  trip  for  pro- 
visions, 38,  406  ;  col.  serjt.  R., 
18  ;  his  account  of  the  action 
at  Ft.  Anne.  26,  27. 

Lamb's  Memoirs,  43. 

Lansing,  Mrs.  Abram,  135, 

Lansing  house,  377. 

Lansing's  saw  mill,  37. 

Larned,  his  position,  370  j  in  battle 
of  7th  Oct.,  58,  64,  96. 

Leggett's  house,  52. 

Lewis,  col.  Morgan,  307,  309,   310. 

Lewis,  ensign,  175. 

Lewis,  qr.  master-gen.,  70. 

Lincoln,  major-gen.,  347  ;  his  posi- 
tion, 370,  371  5  surprised  Ticon- 
deroga,  54;  wounded,  71, 
376. 

Liquor  and  rations,  56. 

Little  White  creek,  298. 

Livingston,  col.,  67. 


Langlade,  Charles,   i  i  ;   planned  the 


defeat  of  Br.iddock.     1 1, 
368. 


358, 


London    Universal    Magazine,    193, 

Long,  colonel,  17  j  his  retreat,  23. 
24,  26. 

Lord,  lieut.,  347. 

Lossing,  Benson,  J.,  131,  134,439; 
his  Field  Book  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, 125. 

Loudon's  ferry,  39. 

Lovelass,  executed,  268,  356,  357  ; 
how  buried,  357. 

Loyalist  insurrection  in  Ballston, 
144. 

Lydius,  Catherine,  born,  338. 

Lydius,  John  Henry,  338. 

Lyman,  gen.  Phineas,  339.. 

Lynd,  It.  col.,  44. 

Madison,  corporal,  163. 

Mjgee,  ensign,  175. 

Manchester   pass,    278  ;  retreat   to, 

24. 
Marquizee,  engineer,  162, 
Marvin,  James  M.,  440,  441. 
Mattoon,  gen.    Ebenezer,    62,    368  ; 
his  letter  to  Schuyler  describing 
the    battle,    369;    birth    place, 
380. 
McClenner,  lieut.,  175. 
McCrea,  Jane,  29,  227,    302,    338. 
McCreedy,  Mr.,  441. 
McDale,  his  feat,  244. 
McDonald,  Johnstown    tory,    144; 

killed,  184. 
McLane,  372. 
McNiel,  wounded,  258. 
Mellon,  It.  col.,  167,  200. 
Messessaugues,  155. 
Mill  creek,  depot  of  provisions  at, 

^38, 
Miller,  Adam,  176,  184. 

Mohawk  river  and  falls,  345. 

Mohawks  destroy  Crown  point,  12; 
inimical,  149  ;  join  the  British, 
36;  their  sufferings,  192  ;  pur- 
sued by  Oneidas,  192. 


Index. 


^Sl 


arles,   1 1  ;   planned  the 
f  Br.iddock.    II,    358> 

versal    Magazine,    193, 
1,   17  ;   his   retreat,   23. 

347- 

son,  J.,  131,  i34>439j 

d  Book  of  the  Revolu- 

^5- 
ry*  39- 

ecuted,  268,  356,    357; 

iried,  357. 

urrection     in     Ballston, 

herine,  born,  338. 
n  Henry,  338. 
.  Phineas,  339. . 
il.,  44- 

3rporal,  163. 

ign»i75- 

•   pass,    27  IS  ;  retreat    to, 

engineer,  162, 
mes  M.,  440,  441. 
en.    Ebenezer,    62,    368  ; 
ter  to  Schuyler  describing 
attle,    369;    birth    place, 


lieut.,  175. 

ne,  29,  227,    302,    338. 
Mr.,  441. 
s  feat,  244. 

Johnbtown    tory,    144; 

184. 
2. 
ounded,  258. 
col.,  167,  200. 

ues,  155' 

,  depot  of  provisions  at, 


M 


am,  176,  184. 
river  and  falls,  345. 
destroy  Crown  point,    12  ; 
cal,  149  ;  join  the  British, 
their  sufferings,  192  }   pur- 
by  Oneidas,  192. 


Mc^ey,  captain,  69;  heads  an  Indian 
party,  26 ;  testimony  of,  402  j 
wounded,  63. 

Montcaln\  defeats  Abercrombie,  11.. 

Mont^'omery,  capt.,  27. 

Monument  suggeiited,  133,3275  as- 
sociation organized,  134;  seal 
of,  135. 

Morgan,  61,  319.  3S6  ;  attacks  the 
whole  British  f(jrce,  46  ;  his 
position,  321,  323;  his  appear- 
ance, 1 19  ;ln  action  of  71)1  Oct., 
58  ;  posts  ririemcn,  370,  372  ; 
surprised,  90;  his  corps  brought 
on  the  battle.  3  92,  394. 

Morrison  Norman,  304. 

Moscly,  col.,  arrived,  376,  377. 

Mount  Defiance,  14;  cannon  con- 
veyed to,  17  ;   taken,  348. 

Mount  Hope,  14;   described,  15. 

Mount  Independence,  435,  436. 

Mowery,  Leroy,  440,  441. 

Murphy,  Timotliy,  62  5  shot  Fraser, 
2495  his  prowess,  250;  anec- 
dote of,  250,  251. 

Muskets  not  common,   294. 

Neilson  and  Benson,  scouts,  258  ; 
feat  of,  240  5  his  success  against 
the  tories,  228  ;  killed  and 
scalped,  230. 

Neilson's  account  of  the  battle  field, 
69  J  of  the  action  of  Fort  Anne, 
27  ;  Neilson's  barn,  attack  on, 
56. 

New  England  aroused,  320. 

New  Hampshire  regiment,  feat  of 
marching,  42. 

Niagara  fort,  fall  of,  152. 

Nixon,  gen.,  his  position,  370  ; , cap- 
tures a  picket  and  bateaux,  90; 
ordered  to  attack,  91. 

Non  combatants  captured,  268, 

Oqden,  Miss  Caroline,  251. 
Oneida  Indians,  friendly,  149. 
Oneidas  pursued  Mohawks,  192, 
Onondaga    country    invaded,     152. 


Onondagas  join  the  British,  192. 
Oriskany,    174}     creek,    175    269} 

battle  ground,   177  ;    defeat  of 

provincials  not  confirmed,  186  j 

number  killed,  187. 
Oswegatcliie,  tories  at,  140. 
Oswego,  bass  in  Lake  George,  409  ; 

occupied    by   armiea,    152;    St. 

Leger  at,  I  50. 
Ottawas  expected,  ii  ;  their  bravery, 

1 1. 
Otter  creek,  279. 

Page,       Elizabeth,      Stark's      wife, 

426. 
Palatine  tories,  145. 
P.ilnier,   fuiUe  Beriah,  123. 
Palmer,    lieut. ,    304  ;     killed,     305, 

313- 
Palis,  col.,  176  j    murdered,  186. 

Parker,  John  M.,  356. 

F^arliaiiicntary  history,    124. 

Partridge,  Dr.  Oliver,  302. 

Patterson's  brigade,  63,  90. 

Payn,  Charles  H.,  440,  441. 

Peters 's  corps,   27 8,  281. 

Petersham,  aid,  44,  276  j  adj't  gen., 
96. 

Petrie,  Dr.,  196;  lieut.,  killed,  189. 

Pettingill,  Samuel,  killed,  188.     . 

Phillips,  maj,  general,  a  distinguished 
artillery  officer,  10,  I3  ;  ascends 
Mt.  Defiance,  17;  at  Fort 
Anne,  26  ;  on  the  retreat,  87  j 
retained  in  captivity,  113;  his 
command,  276  ;  his  artillery, 
276;  his  position  in  the  march, 
44  5  lieut.,  wounded  and  died, 
50. 

Place  d'armes,   54. 

Point  a  la  Cheveleure,  I2. 

Poor,  gen.,  in  battle  of  the  7th  Oct., 
58. 

Potato  diggers  captured,  55. 

Potts,  Dr.,  336. 

Powell,  brig,  gen.,  347. 

Prisoners  taken,  66. 

Proctor  defeated,  35. 


458 


Index. 


W 


% 


I* 


i  v% 


Prospect  hill  cemetery,  447. 
Provisions  secreted,  239. 
Pruyn,  John  V.  L.,  439,  440. 
Putnam,  Israel,  340;  saves   powder 

magazine,  341. 
Putnam's  creek,  12,  13. 

J2uackenboss,  Abraham  D.,  273. 
Quaker  springs,  45. 
Queen  Anne's  war,  338. 

Rations  of  British  cut  down,  56. 

Rations  of  liquors,  56. 

Rattlesnake  venomous,  411, 

Reconnoissance  in  force,  56. 

Redman,  John,  66. 

Relics  of  the  battle,  316. 

Remembrance,  205,   212. 

Richards,  J.  W  ,  his  narrative,  300. 

Riedesel,  Madame,  43,  72  ;  her  ser- 
vices to  the  wounded,  945  re- 
treats to  a  cellar,  94  ;  engrav- 
ing of  house  and  cellar,  95  ; 
divides  her  provisions  with  the 
starving,  965  her  appearance  in 
American  camp,  119;  meets 
Gen.  Schuyler,  i20j  her  house 
attacked,  315  ;  at  Fort  Edward, 
343  ;  describes  death  of  Era- 
ser, 74;  admired,  82  ;  her  for- 
titude, 87. 

Riedesel,  niaj.  gen.,  his  experience, 
10  ;  drilled  his  troops  in  Cana- 
da, 10;  encamped  on  Crown 
point,  12,  13  5  opposed  to  the 
expedition  of  Baum,  o ;  at 
Dovogat,  42  ;  his  c  nmand, 
45  J  saves  the  army  from  route, 
47  J  location  of  the  hospital, 
52  ;  leads  van  of  British  retreat, 
795  condemns  the  order  to  halt 
in  retreat,  80;  otfcrs  to  cover 
the  retreat,  87  ;  proposes  retreat, 
98  ;  retained  by  congress  in 
captivity,  113;  addresses  his 
troops  on  the  surrender,  115; 
saves  German  colors,  116;  his 
command,    276  ; 


Riedesel,  his  dragoons  to  be  mounted, 
278;  occupies  Fort  Miller,  342; 
buried  bateaux  in  the  fort, 
342  J  quartered  at  Fort  Am- 
herst, 342 ;  pronunciation  of 
name,  370  j  his  house,  relic 
of,  377;  his  memoirs  transla- 
ted, 5  ;   portrait  of,  8 1. 

Rochefaucauld-Liancourt,  381. 

Rockingham,  279. 

Rodman,  Thomas  P.,  423. 

Roff,  Johannis,   166   (see  Roof). 

Rogers,   Abraham    Yates,   residence 

o^^  37- 
Rogers's  house,  57. 

Roman  Catholic  Scotch   tories,  144. 

Rome,   Fort  Stanwix,  197. 

Roof,  col.    John,  196,  197. 

Roof's    village   (Canajoharie,)  197. 

Royal  Greens,    154. 

Royal  George  flag  ship,  13. 

Sabbath  day  forbid,  302. 

Sabbath  day  puint,  fight  at,  230 ; 
point  why  so  .earned,  230. 

Sammons,  Frederick,  scout,  190. 

Sammons,  lieut   Jacob     183,  i88. 

Saratoga,  battle  of,  71  \  trophies  of, 
114;  British  army  encamped 
at,  37,  412;  monument  asso- 
ciation, incorporated,  438  ; 
state  appropriation,  439  ;  officers 
of,  440. 

Scalp  point,  12. 

Schoharie  disaffection,  145  ;  militia 
at  Fort  Edward,  146. 

Schroon  lake  scouts,   258. 

Schuyler,  gen.,  159;  at  Fort  Ed- 
ward, 24;  at  Fort  Anne,  28; 
obstructs  the  roads,  29  ;  sends 
reliei"  to  Gansevoort,  208  ;  pre- 
judices against,  143  ;  superseded, 
39,  1285  his  influence  on  the 
army,  129;  tfl'ect  of  his  super- 
seduie,  317  ;  fortitude  of,  271  ; 
his  courtesy  to  Mad.  Riedesel, 
120  ;  mansion  in  Albany,  124; 
entertains  B.iitish  officers,  123; 


Index, 


459 


dragoons  to  be  mounted, 
:cupies  Fort  Miller,  342; 

bateaux  in  the  fort, 
quar.ered  at  Fort  Am- 
342  ;    pron'jnciation     of 

370  ;  his     house,     relic 
7  }  his  memoirs  transla- 
;   portrait  of,  81. 
uld-Liancourt,  381. 
-n,  279. 

homas  P.,  423. 
nnis,   166   (see  Roof). 
)raham    Yates,   residence 

)use,  57. 

tholic  Scotch   tories,  144. 

•t  Stanwix,  197. 

John,  196,  197. 

age   (Caiiajoharie,)  197. 

:ns,    154. 

rge  flag  ship,  13. 

y  forbid,  302. 
ly    point,   fight    at,   230  j 
why  io  learned,  230. 
Frederick,  scout,  190. 
lieut   Jacob     183,  188. 
)attle  of,  71  j   trophies  of, 
British    army   encamped 
7,  412;   monument  asso- 
n,       incorporated,      438  ; 
appropriation,  439  }  officers 
1.0.  * 
It,  12. 

disaffection,  145  j  militia 
rt  Edward,  146. 
»ke  scouts,  258. 
gen.,  159  ;  at  Fort  Ed- 
,  24  ;  at  Fort  Anne,  28  ; 
acts  the  roads,  29  j  sends 
to  Gansevoort,  208  5  pre- 
ES  against,  143  5  superseded, 
[28  5  his  influence  on  the 
,  129;  trtect  of  his  super- 
e,  317  ;  fortitude  of,  271  ; 
•ourtesy  to  Mad.  Riedesel, 
;  mansion  in  Albany,  124; 
tains  Baitish  officers,  123  j 


Schuyler,value  of  his  property  destroy- 
ed, 123;  Hon  /ost,  his  death, 
218;  his  brother  discharged, 
218  j  Hon  Yost,  his  ruse,  212, 
213,  214;  deserts  St.  Leger, 
218  ;   Philip,  441. 

Schuyler's  evidence,  48. 

Schuyler,  John,  381. 

Schuyler's  house,  its  location,  38  ; 
burnt,  333  j  ruins  of,  401; 
mansion  rebuilt  in  15  days,  88  ; 
burning  said  to  be  accidental, 
88}  mills,   317. 

Schuylerville,  British  encamp  at,  37  ; 
large  gathering  at,  442. 

Scout,  A.   Bryan,  354,    356. 

Seal  of  Monument  Association,  135. 

Second  engagement,    where    begun, 

71- 
Seeber,  capt,  Henry,  175,  176. 

Seeber,  capt.  Jacob,    180,  189. 

Seeber,  lieut.  Wm.,  189. 

Seeley,  Joseph,  262. 

Senecas  at  Fort  Stanwix,  191;  killed, 
192; 

Sergeant's  wife,  adventure  of,  85, 
408. 

Settlers  below  Fort  Edward,  cha- 
racter of,  36. 

Seven  years'  war,  79. 

Sexagenary,  245. 

Seymour,  Horatio,  134,  439,  440. 

Sheldon,  Simon,  443. 

Shelly,  serge.,   27.^ 

Sherwood,  captain,  278,  281. 

Shirley,  gen.,  152. 

Shoemaker,  Mr.,  tory,  208. 

Shrimpton,  capt.,  20. 

Sickness  in  American  army,  322. 

Silliman's  travels,  346,  384. 

Singleton,  lieut.,  captured,  195. 

Skeleton  of  British  grenadier,  396, 
427. 

Skene,  col.,  282;  major,  295  mis- 
leads Baum,  32,  33  J  brilliant 
success  of,  173;  commanded 
at  Bennington,  2865  road  cut 
for,  28. 


Skcncsborough,    1 1 


24: 


retreat: 


to, 


British     take, 
17  ;  garrison. 


of,    437  ;     Indiana    arrived    a^, 
360. 

Smith's  house,  53,  72.  , 

Snakes  of  Diamond  island,  410. 

Snell,  Jacob,  killed,  189. 

Sorel  river,  i  5. 

Southerland,  gen.,  80. 

Sparr,  ensign  attacked,  161. 

Specht,  German  brigadier,  1 1  ;  at- 
tacked, 61  j  captured,  65  ;  his 
regiment,  remarkable,  42,  254. 

Spencer,  Thomas,  half  breed,  1405 
his  speech,  141,  149. 

Spike,  Daniel,  357. 

Sprouts  of  the  Mohawk,  39. 

Staffijrd,  narrative  of,  286. 

Stansbury,  Peter,  328. 

Stark,  anecdotes  of,  232  5  brilliant 
success  of,  173  j  commanded  at 
Bennington,  286;  cuts  off 
Baum,  31  ;  holds  Fort  Edward, 
92 ;  presides  at  court  martial, 
268,  357  ;   Molly,  426. 

St.  Clair  in  command  at  Ticonderoga, 
I  3  ;   evacuates,  17,  18. 

Steese,  Caty,  wounded,  166. 

Stevens,  col.,  i  6. 

Stillwater,  battle  so  called,  71. 

St.  Leger,  129;  to  make  a  diversion 
on  the  Mohawk,  9;  repulse  of, 
128  J  expedition  of  described, 
139;  began  his  march  upon 
Fort  Schuyler,  151  }  force  of 
his  army,  1535  paper  captured, 
154}  his  letter  to  Bird,  157; 
encouraged  murders,  164;  his 
arrival  before  Fort  Schuyler, 
1  68  ;  his  rank,  i  68  j  summons 
she  fort,  169,  170;  communi- 
cates with  Burgoyne,  1725  ad- 
vance of,  173;  ambushes 
Herkimer,  177  j  his  statement 
of  the  battle,  187;  his  papers 
captured,  194J  suggests  capitu- 
lation, 200;  his  humanity, 
201  ;  armistice  proposed,  203  j 


460 


Index. 


St.  Leger,renews  summons,  204;  ap- 
peals toTryon  county,  205;  par- 
don promised  to  his  adherents, 
2 1  oj  raises  the  siege,  211;  sends 
#  for  Hon   Yost  Schuyler,    214; 

commences  his  retreat,  217  ; 
plundered  by  his  own  Indians, 
217  j  retreated  by  the  way  of 
Oneida  lake,  217;  report  to 
Burgoyne,  217  ;  capture  of  his 
escritoire  and  papers,  219; 
hastened  back  to  Oswego  and 
thence  to  Montreal,  219  j  fell 
back  on  Osv/ego,  34a ;  spy 
sent  back  to,  416  ;  advance  of, 
173. 

St.  Luc,  chevalier,  11  ;  influence 
with  Indians,  360,  362,  364, 
368. 

St.  Luke's  bridge,  298. 

Stockwell,  lieut.,  175,  271  ;  leaves 
the  fort,  206,  207. 

Stone,  col.  Wm,  L.,  63. 

Stone,  Wm.  L.,  439,  440. 

Stoner,  Nicholas,  trapper,  67. 

Street,  Alfred  B.,  134, 

Strover,  George,  88,  268,  431. 

Strover,  John,  356,  357. 

Sugar-loaf  hill,  14,  16  ;   road  cut  to, 

17- 
Surrender,  treaty    of  proposed,   99  j 

articles   of,    102-107  }  -conduct 

of  troops  in  piling  their  arms, 

115;  terms  signed,  443  ;   view 

of  field  of,  400. 

Swart,  Dirk,  271. 

Swartwout,  capt.,  178. 

Sword's  house,  42,  43,  44,  45. 

Tarleton,  his  march,  42. 
Tayler  house,  53,  72. 
Taylor,  Capt.,  348. 
Teasse,  Mrs.,  her  narrative,  309. 
Teff,  A.  C,  439. 
Ten  Broeck,  gen,,  61. 
Terms    of    capitulation,    no;    not 
complied  with  by  congress,  112. 
Thames,  victory  of  the,  35. 


Thanksgiving  sermon  on  the  sur- 
render, 129. 

Throckmorton,  B.W.,  441. 

Ticonderoga,  12,  43;  attack  on, 
54;  evacuated,  17;  garrison 
of,  276,  346;  vO  fall,  1405 
retreat  from,  402  ;  why  aban- 
doned, 342. 

Timmerman,  Jacob,  187. 

Tories  captured  and  executed  at 
Albany,  243  ;  in  Col.  John- 
son's force,  140. 

Townshend,  Dr.,  69. 

Tory  account  of  the  Bennington 
affair,  291. 

Tracy,  Mrs.  John,  125. 

Treaty  of  surrender  decided  upon, 
99-107. 

Tree  marking  spot  of  Eraser's  fall, 

57- 
Troops  of  Gates  at  time  of  treaty, 

no. 
Trophies  of  Saratoga,  114. 
Trumbull,  Col.  John,  i6. 
Tryon     county    appealed     to,    205  ; 

alarm     in,     139;    disaffection 

in,  142,  146. 
Twiss  examines,  Sugar-loaf  hill,  16. 
Tyrrell,  killed,  67. 

Uncle,  Mohawks  so  called,  149. 
Union  village,  235. 

Van  Benschoten,  capt.,  175. 
Van  Courtlandt,  Pierre,  146. 
Vandenburgh's,  E.,  230. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Robert,  144. 
Van  Rensselaer,  col.  Henry,  24,  25. 
Van  Rensselaers,   their  influence  in 

the  war,  25. 
Van  Schaick,  col.,  146. 
Van  Schaick's  island,  39  ;  reason  for 

fortifying,  39  ;   bridge,  298. 
Van  Sluyck  killed,  180,  189. 
Van  Vechten,  Dirk,  231. 
Van  Vechten's  cove,  41. 
Varick,  Richard,  124. 
Victory,  village  of,  44a. 


6 


ig    sermon  on   the    sur- 
129. 

on,  B.W.,  441. 
,     12,    43  ;    attack    on, 
vacuated,    17;     garrison 
6,    346;    cO    fall,    1405 
from,  402  }   why    aban- 

342. 

J,  Jacob,  187. 
ured     and    executed     at 
,    243  5  in    Col.   John- 
)rce,  140. 
,  Dr.,  69. 

nt    of    the    Bennington 
291. 

John,  125. 
surrender    decided  upon, 
7. 
ng  spot  of  Fraser's  fall, 

Gates  at  time  of  treaty, 

Saratoga,  114. 
;^ol.  John,  16. 
tity    appealed     to,    205  ; 
in,     139;     disaffection 

,  146. 

nes.  Sugar-loaf  hill,  16. 

ed,  67. 


Index, 


461 


awks  so  called,  149. 
e,  '-^35- 

oten,  capt.,  175. 

ndt,  Pierre,  146. 

I's,  E.,  230. 

aer,  Robert,  144. 

aer,  col.  Henry,  24,  25. 

aers,   their  influence   in 

25. 
c,  col.,  146. 

:'s  island,  39  5  reason  for 
ng,  39  ;   bridge,  298. 
killed,  180,  189. 
n.  Dirk,  231. 
n's  cove,  41. 
hard,  124. 
age  of,  442. 


Virginia  riflemen,  valor  of,  403. 
Visscher,    regiment    of,    174,    178, 
179  ;  the  killed  in,  188. 

Wagons    and    carriages    to  be  cap- 
tured, 280. 

Wallace,  lieut.  William,  67. 

Walloomsac  river,  299. 

Walradt,  Henry,  189. 

Walter,  George,  176. 

Walworth,  Mrs.  Ellen  Hardin,  135, 
441. 

Warner,  col.  Seth  in  command  of 
rear  guard,  19;  characterized, 
20}  at  Fort  Edward,  2365 
wounded,  236;  exjiected  to 
retreat,  284 ;  calls  out  rpilitia, 
286. 

Watts,  captain,  154. 

Watts,  maj.,  177,  182  j  wounded, 
189,  190. 

Wayne,  16. 

Welch,  Alonzo,  reburies  British 
remains,  38. 

Wesson's  regiment,  146. 

West-Chester  cow  boys,  213. 

West  Troy,  laid  out,  441. 

Weston,  col.,  208. 

Wheat  field  foraged  upon,  57. 

White,  judge,  269. 

Whitehall,  retreat  to,  17. 

Whitehall  turnpike,   356. 

Whitestown,  174. 


Wilbur's  basin,  43,  72,  77. 

Wilcox,  William,  438. 

Wilkinson,  59,  85,  91,  128,  130; 
reconnoitres  British  position, 
57;  corrected,  399,  370;  de- 
scribes Mt.  Hope,  15;  on 
Arnold,  68  j  his  memoirs,  20. 

Willard's  mountain,  77,  376. 

Willett,  col.  Marinus,  159,  175, 
200 ;  declines  to  surrender, 
202  ;  popular,  206  ;  leaves  the 
fort,  206  J  his  sortie,  193; 
judge  advocate,  209 ;  £v.ord 
voted  to,  195  ;  adventure,  271. 

Williams,  col.  Otho,  his  march,  42. 

Williams,  major,  44,  63. 

Willsborough,  Burgoyne  at,  11. 

Wolves,  cry  of  on  battle  field,  55. 

Women  in  the  army,  248  ;  strip 
the  dead,  66,  248. 

Wood  creek,  155;  obstructed,  29, 
156,  ^40;  American  flotilla 
overtaken  at,  23. 

Woodruff,  Samuel,  his  narrative, 
63,  186,  192,  314,  327;  re- 
moves Arnold,  68. 

Wyandot  Panther,  306,  309. 

Yankee  Doodle  adopted  as  a  national 

hymn,  379. 
Yorktown,  surrender  of,  133. 
Younglove,  Dr.  Moses,  186,  189. 


